The Lada 21104 1.6i 16V, producing 90 horsepower, was a mainstay of the Lada lineup from 2001 to 2007. Representing an evolution of the earlier 2110 series, the 21104 was primarily sold within Eastern European and Russian markets, offering a relatively affordable and practical sedan option. It was positioned as a mid-range offering within the 2110 family, slotting between the base 8-valve models and the more powerful 16-valve variants with larger displacement engines. The 21104 aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency and acceptable performance for everyday commuting and family use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | 2110 |
| Generation | 21104 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 i 16V (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 131 Nm @ 3700 rpm (96.62 lb.-ft. @ 3700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1596 cm3 (97.39 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1040 kg (2292.81 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1515 kg (3340 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 43 l (11.36 US gal) |
| Length | 4265 mm (167.91 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2492 mm (98.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Threaded twist beam |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 21104 1.6i 16V is the VAZ-2110 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine, derived from earlier VAZ designs, featured a multi-port fuel injection system, a significant upgrade over the carburetor-equipped engines found in older Lada models. The 16-valve cylinder head, with two valves per cylinder, contributed to improved breathing and higher engine speeds. The engine utilized a timing belt to drive the camshafts. The engine code is typically associated with variations like VAZ-2110-70, and later iterations. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing relatively smooth gear changes, though not particularly sporty. The transmission was a conventional design, geared towards fuel efficiency and durability rather than performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 21104 1.6i 16V offered modest performance. With 90 horsepower and 131 Nm (96.62 lb-ft) of torque, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 11.4 to 12 seconds. While not a sports car, the engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving, including highway cruising. The 5-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the lower-powered 8-valve Lada engines, the 16-valve version felt noticeably more responsive. However, it lacked the punch of the larger 1.8 or 2.0-liter engines available in other 2110 variants. The suspension, while adequate, was tuned for comfort rather than handling precision. The car exhibited noticeable body roll in corners.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 21104 1.6i 16V typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included electric front windows, a more advanced audio system, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, though not common with this engine, might have included features like air conditioning and upgraded interior trim. The overall interior design was functional but lacked the refinement of more modern vehicles.
Chassis & Braking
The Lada 21104 utilized a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension employed independent McPherson struts, while the rear suspension featured a torsion beam setup. This configuration prioritized cost-effectiveness and durability over sophisticated handling. The braking system consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While adequate for normal driving conditions, the braking performance was not particularly strong. The car’s relatively light weight helped to mitigate the limitations of the braking system. Stabilizer bars were present, but their effectiveness was limited by the overall suspension design.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada 21104 1.6i 16V was generally viewed as a practical and affordable option in its target markets. Critics acknowledged its improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to older Lada models, but also noted its basic interior and lack of refinement. Compared to other 1.6-liter sedans available at the time, the Lada 21104 offered a competitive price point. However, it lagged behind in terms of build quality, safety features, and overall driving experience. Fuel economy was a strong point, averaging around 32.7 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, but maintenance could be frequent due to the car’s relatively simple design and the availability of spare parts.
Legacy
The Lada 21104 1.6i 16V remains a common sight on the roads of Eastern Europe and Russia. The VAZ-2110 engine, while not known for its sophistication, proved to be relatively durable and easy to maintain. In the used car market, the 21104 1.6i 16V is often sought after by those looking for an inexpensive and reliable vehicle. Parts availability remains good, and the car’s simple design makes it relatively easy to repair. While it may not offer the comfort or features of more modern vehicles, the Lada 21104 1.6i 16V continues to serve as a practical and affordable transportation option for many.
