The era of the Soviet automotive industry gave us many legendary cars, but it was the “classic” from AvtoVAZ that became a real symbol of the era. When it comes to choosing a first car, retro design, or just a reliable workhorse, the attention often falls on models with the index 2105 and 2107. These cars passed through the hands of millions of drivers and are still found on the roads of the post-Soviet space.
These cars are almost identical, but engineeringThe methods used in their creation have significant differences. The fifth model was positioned as a more modern and European, while the “seven” was long considered a luxury version. Understanding these nuances is critical for those planning to buy or restore an instance.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how different VAZ-2105 and VAZ-2107What engine to choose and what difficulties will the new owner face. We will not idealize these machines, but we will not scold them for no reason either.
History of creation and conceptual differences
The appearance of the “five” in the late 1970s was the answer of engineers to the moral obsolescence of the first “Zhiguli”. The designers had the task to modernize the car, retaining the proven aggregate base, but making it more modern. VAZ-2105 It received an angular, "cut" design, which was then considered advanced in Europe.
The seven appeared a little later and was originally conceived as a car of increased comfort. People quickly dubbed it the “Russian Mercedes” because of the characteristic grille and chrome elements. The main difference was not only the appearance, but also the expanded configuration, which included improved materials of the cabin.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the year of production with the year of production. The 1995 car can be assembled on the basis of the body of the 1980s, which affects the compatibility of some parts.
Conceptually VAZ-2107 It was created as a more status machine for the nomenclature and those who could afford to pay extra for comfort. The fifth model was a mass “working” model designed to replace the “penny” and “three” in taxi parks and private individuals. That is why the “fives” are often found in a more spartan performance.
Exterior: Design, Body and Optics
The most noticeable difference lies in the front of the body. The "five" has rectangular block headlights, combined with turn signals and dimensions in a single block. This solution allowed better lighting of the side of the road, but it looked less noble than the separate optics of the "seven". Nana VAZ-2107 applied scheme with two pairs of headlights, which visually expands the face of the car.
The back is also different. Although the dimensions and repeat each other, the shape of the trunk lid and bumpers differ. The “Seven” received a more expressive bumper with plastic fangs, which faded over time, but gave the car a finished look. Body panels in models are interchangeable, with the exception of the hood, trunk lid and front wings.
The chrome edge deserves special attention. On the "seven" chrome was present around the headlights, on the grille and moldings on the sides. Only the VAZ-2107 in the factory version was present black plastic grille in the rear of the roof (in early versions), imitating a hatch, although the hatch itself was not there.
- 🚗 VAZ-2105: Rectangular headlights, lack of chromium, more strict and utilitarian look.
- 🚙 VAZ-2107: Double round headlights, chrome grille, moldings, imitation of a hatch on the roof.
- 🛠 Body: The geometry of doors and windows is identical, but the front wings and hoods are indestructible without digestion.
When choosing a car in appearance, it is worth considering that the “five” was often subjected to “kolkhoz” tuning in the form of an optics installation from the “seven”. Therefore, the presence of round headlights on the car with the index 2105 does not guarantee that it is a factory configuration.
Interior: Comfort, Salon and Instrument Panel
The salon is where the difference between the models is felt most acutely. The five used hard, cheap plastic, and the seats had a simple design without head restraints (in early versions) and side support. The torpedo is made of rough material that cracks in the sun over time.
V VAZ-2107 The interior has been significantly redesigned. Here appeared a "high" instrument panel with a tachometer, which was rare for mass cars of that time. The seats received headrests and a more comfortable profile, although it is difficult to call them ergonomic by modern standards. The upholstery of the doors also became softer and more pleasant to the touch.
When buying, pay attention to the state of the "barn" (rule). On the "sevens" were often rudders with a soft lining, which by our days are usually erased to holes, giving a large mileage.
An important element of comfort in the “seven” was improved noise insulation, although it still yields to modern standards. In the "five" the sound of the engine and the road penetrates into the cabin unhindered, especially if the car was not subjected to noise insulation by the owner.
⚠️ Attention: In salons of "Zhigulya" 80-90-ies often used toxic materials. With prolonged heating in the sun in old cars can be a characteristic suffocating smell, which is difficult to get rid of.
Equipment of the “luxury” version included a tape recorder (rare at the time), rear headrests and even electric motors windows (in later versions). For the “five” even mechanical windows were an option, and the basic equipment assumed “fork” and torques.
Technical specifications and engines
Under the hood of both models could hide a whole range of engines, but the most popular were engines of 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 liters. The base for the “five” for a long time remained a 1.29-liter engine, which was distinguished by traction, but not high speed.
VAZ-2107 More often completed with more powerful 1.5-liter and 1.6-liter units. The 2103 (1.5 liters) was considered the “golden mean”, providing acceptable dynamics. Later, injection versions that meet the Euro-2 standards appeared, which greatly facilitated operation in winter.
Which engine is more reliable?
The 2103 and 2106 series are considered the most resourceful engines when properly maintained. They are easier to repair and less sensitive to fuel quality than early injectors. However, the injector (1.6 liters) provides better start in the cold and stable idling.
The transmission of all classic models is identical. It is a 4-speed (in early versions) or 5-speed manual transmission. The five-speed line began to appear massively in the 90s and significantly reduced fuel consumption on the track, allowing it to move at a speed of 100-110 km / h at low revs.
| Parameter | VAZ-2105 (1.5 l) | VAZ-2107 (1.6 l) | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 68 | 75 | hp |
| Torque. | 109 | 126 | Nm. |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 16.5 | 15.0 | sack |
| Expenditure (mixed) | 8.5 | 9.0 | l/100km |
It is worth noting that the real dynamics depends on the technical condition. carburettor Or injection systems. On older carburetor machines, the consumption can easily reach 12-14 liters in the city if the power system is not configured.
Chassis and Control
The suspension of “classic” is a separate topic for conversation. It was designed for poor roads, so it is characterized by high energy intensity and simplicity. In front, an independent suspension is used on double transverse levers, in the rear - a dependent beam on longitudinal jet bars.
In management, the “five” and “seven” are almost identical. Powerless steering (in most versions) requires physical strength, especially when parking. However, on the road, the car is quite stable if the ball supports and Silentblocks are in order.
☑️ Checking the running gear before buying
The braking system is represented by disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. The efficiency of braking is average, so it is customary to brake the engine on the "Zhiguly". Adjustment of the rear drum brakes is a mandatory procedure for the owner, which must be carried out regularly.
⚠️ Attention: When buying, be sure to check the condition of the "stocking" of the rear bridge. On older cars, it can be deformed after hitting the curb, which will lead to the car being sidelined and uneven wear of the rubber.
Frequent running problems include rapid wear of the stabilizer bushings and Silentblocks. However, the cheapness of spare parts allows you to change these elements at least every season without hitting the budget. The main thing is not to save on the manufacturers of parts.
Operation: Expenditures and Repairs
The main trump card of Zhiguly is the availability of spare parts. You can buy absolutely everything: from the bolt to the body in the assembly. This makes repairs affordable even for beginners. However, the quality of these parts ranges from "satisfactory" to "outright marriage."
Regular maintenance includes oil replacement every 5-8 thousand kilometers, level checks corn-fish And lubricating the crosses of the driveshaft. Cardan on the classic requires attention: if you forget about the syringe, crosses will quickly break, causing vibration.
- 🛢 Oil: For engines without hydraulic compensators, semisynthetic 10W-40 is suitable.
- ❄️ Oh.