| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1976 |
| Production Years: | 1976 - 1985 discontinued in 1985 |
The Lada 2106 (21061 generation) is a classic Soviet-era sedan that marked its presence in the automotive market between 1976 and 1985. As one of the most iconic models produced by AvtoVAZ under the Lada brand, it offered a sturdy, reliable vehicle designed for a variety of driving conditions typical of the time and region. The Lada 2106 featured a straightforward and functional design that combined practicality with simplicity, typical of Eastern European cars from the period.
Although exact dimensions are not always consistently documented, the Lada 2106 sedan typically measured approximately 4,210 mm (165.7 inches) in length, around 1,610 mm (63.4 inches) in width, and approximately 1,400 mm (55.1 inches) in height. These dimensions positioned the 2106 as a compact to mid-sized sedan within its market segment, providing comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
The car's body style was a traditional four-door sedan layout, emphasizing passenger comfort and relatively spacious interiors compared to other vehicles in its class. The Lada 2106 combined classic design cues such as a chrome-accented grille and round headlamps, which contributed to its vintage appeal.
This model was well known for its robust construction and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice in Eastern Europe and beyond, especially in markets favoring durability over luxury. Its production spanning nearly a decade ensured that it became a ubiquitous sight on the roads with a reputation for reliability under various driving environments.
Overall, the Lada 2106 (21061) stands out as a significant chapter in automotive history, representing Soviet automotive engineering of its era. Its size and functional design hold a firm place in the comparison of classic sedans, contrasting with contemporary models in terms of simplicity and mechanical approach.
Discover the standout features that make the 1976 Lada 21061 a leader in its class
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The Lada 21061 sedan has a length of approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches), a width of about 1,640 mm (64.6 inches), and a height near 1,430 mm (56.3 inches). These dimensions give the vehicle a compact but spacious enough profile for its class during the production period from 1976 to 1985. Its relatively modest size allowed the Lada 21061 to fit comfortably into urban environments and narrow parking areas, reflecting typical dimensions of Eastern European sedans of its era.
The Lada 21061 features a wheelbase of approximately 2,450 mm (96.5 inches). This wheelbase length is a crucial factor contributing to the car's driving stability and ride comfort. A longer wheelbase generally improves straight-line stability while offering more legroom for passengers inside the cabin. For the 21061, the wheelbase is balanced to provide adequate interior space for five occupants while maintaining manageable maneuverability for urban and rural driving conditions typical during its production years from 1976 to 1985.
The curb weight of the Lada 21061 is approximately 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs). This relatively light weight for a sedan of its time positively impacts its fuel efficiency and performance, given the modest engines available in this generation. A lighter vehicle generally demands less power to move, which can enhance fuel economy and provide more responsive handling. However, the lightweight structure also influences ride quality and safety characteristics, which were typical for Eastern European compact sedans manufactured during 1976 to 1985.
The Lada 21061 sedan comfortably seats up to five passengers, with two in the front and three in the rear. Cargo capacity is typical of compact sedans of this era, with a trunk volume of approximately 430 liters (15.2 cubic feet). This provides enough space for typical luggage, groceries, or tools, making the car practical for daily use and small family trips. The interior design prioritizes functional space utilization within its modest overall dimensions to meet commuter and utility expectations of its production period from 1976 to 1985.
Yes, the Lada 21061 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) and width of 1,640 mm (64.6 inches), it is smaller than many modern vehicles, making it suitable for typical garage dimensions, which usually accommodate lengths up to 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) and widths of around 2,400 mm (94.5 inches). Its compact stance allows for easy parking and maneuvering within enclosed spaces, making it practical for urban households owning a standard single or double-car garage.
The Lada 21061 is closely related dimensionally to the Lada 2103, as both models share the compact sedan platform developed from the Fiat 124. However, the 21061 primarily differs in terms of engine options, offering smaller, more fuel-efficient powertrains and minor external updates. Dimension-wise, both cars measure similarly with minimal differences in length, width, and height. The 21061 introduced a more budget-friendly approach without greatly altering the vehicle's exterior size or basic interior layout, maintaining the traditional sedan style but with a focus on affordability and efficiency during its production from 1976 to 1985.
The Lada 21061 is representative of compact Eastern European sedans of its era, with size dimensions and features comparable to contemporaries like the Trabant 601 or Skoda 105. Its length of 4,280 mm and width of 1,640 mm put it on the larger side relative to more minimalist models such as the Trabant. Functionally, the Lada offered more robust construction and slightly greater interior comfort. While it lacked modern amenities by today's standards, it provided practical performance and space suitable for families and daily commuting, typical of vehicles produced in the socialist bloc during the late 1970s and early '80s.
The Lada 21061 stands approximately 1,430 mm (56.3 inches) tall and typically features a ground clearance of around 160 mm (6.3 inches). The moderate height contributes to a low center of gravity, which enhances handling stability, especially on the less refined road surfaces common in the production regions. The ground clearance allows the car to navigate uneven or rough terrain better than low-slung sportier models, reflecting its design focus on durability and all-purpose usability within Eastern Europe and Soviet environments between 1976 and 1985.
The original Lada 21061, produced from 1976 to 1985, was manufactured before many modern automotive safety standards became widespread. Standard safety features for that era were minimal, with basic seat belts and no airbags or advanced crash protection systems. Due to its simple construction, it lacks built-in electronic safety aids like ABS or traction control found in modern vehicles. However, enthusiasts and restorers sometimes retrofit these cars with aftermarket safety equipment to enhance protection while maintaining the vehicle's classic appeal.
The Lada 21061 sedan typically features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout known for balanced weight distribution and traditional driving dynamics. Engine options for this generation often included a modest 1.3 to 1.5-liter inline-four petrol engine, producing sufficient power for city and moderate highway driving. This drivetrain configuration ensures straightforward mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance, characteristics appreciated during the production period (1976-1985). The rear-wheel-drive layout also lends the car a somewhat engaging driving feel, though it may require cautious handling in slippery conditions compared to front-wheel-drive competitors.
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