1986-1994 Moskvich 2141-01 1.6 (76 Hp)

The Moskvich 2141 is a small family car produced by the Soviet automobile manufacturer AZLK (Avtozavod imeni Lenina, later Moskvitch) from 1986 to 1994. Representing a significant modernization of the earlier Moskvich 2140 series, the 2141 was intended to address criticisms of its predecessor regarding build quality, comfort, and styling. While primarily designed for the Soviet domestic market, the 2141 and its variants were also exported to select Eastern European countries. The 2141-01, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine producing 76 horsepower, was a common configuration, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy for the time. It occupies a niche as a representative of late-Soviet automotive engineering, reflecting the technological and economic constraints of the era.

Moskvich 2141-01: A Detailed Overview

The Moskvich 2141-01 marked a departure from the more rounded aesthetics of earlier Moskvich models, adopting a more angular, contemporary design influenced by Western European trends of the 1980s. It was a five-door hatchback, a body style becoming increasingly popular globally, offering improved practicality compared to the traditional saloon cars prevalent in the Soviet Union. The 2141-01 aimed to provide a modern, affordable vehicle for Soviet families, though its production was hampered by economic difficulties and quality control issues that plagued the Soviet automotive industry.

Engine & Performance

The 2141-01 was typically powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, producing 76 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 121 Nm (89.25 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3400 rpm. This engine, while relatively modest in output by Western standards, provided adequate performance for everyday driving in the Soviet Union. The engine featured a carburettor fuel injection system, a common technology for the period, and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 13.9 kg/Hp, or 72 Hp/tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio was 8.7 kg/Nm, or 114.7 Nm/tonne. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 15 seconds, and the car had a maximum speed of 158 km/h (98.18 mph). The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption was rated at 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l).

Design & Features

The Moskvich 2141-01’s hatchback body style offered a relatively spacious interior for its size, accommodating five passengers. The trunk offered a minimum capacity of 370 liters (13.07 cu. ft.). Stylistically, the car featured a boxy silhouette with a relatively flat roofline. Interior appointments were basic, reflecting the economic realities of its production. Features were limited compared to contemporary Western vehicles, but typically included basic instrumentation, cloth upholstery, and manually operated windows and door locks. Safety features were also rudimentary, with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. An Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was included as an assisting system. The car’s suspension utilized coil springs on both the front and rear axles, providing a reasonably comfortable ride. The 2141-01’s design prioritized functionality and affordability over luxury or advanced features.

Technical Specifications

The Moskvich 2141-01, while not a technological marvel, represents an important chapter in Soviet automotive history. It offered a relatively modern and practical vehicle to Soviet citizens during a period of limited consumer choice. Today, it is sought after by collectors and enthusiasts as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.