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Moskvich 408 IE 1.4 (50 Hp)
Overall Rating
Moskvich 408:
The Moskvitch-408 series is a small family car produced by the Soviet car manufacturer MZMA/AZLK between 1964 and 1975. The first prototype was made in 1960.
The M-408, the first of the series, replaced the second generation Moskvitch 407 as the main production model; it had a longer wheelbase than the 407. Design work started in 1959, and the first prototype appeared in March 1961. The first production 408 was built 1 August 1964, and the 408 was given its official debut on October 21. First marketed body styles of the main version were a four-door saloon , five-door estate , and a three-door sedan delivery....(Read more on Wikipedia)
IE Overview:
Moskvich 408 (IE). With 92 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 990 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 33 s). The top speed reaches 120 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the late 1960s, the Moskvich 408 IE predates modern safety standards and testing protocols like Euro NCAP. It lacks contemporary safety features such as airbags, ABS, or crumple zones, offering only basic passive safety inherent to its robust construction.
1.4 (50 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.4-liter (50 Hp) engine provides extremely modest performance, with a leisurely 0-100 km/h acceleration of 33 seconds. It's suitable for unhurried driving, prioritizing reliability over speed.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is not a strong suit, typical for carburetted engines of this vintage. Expect moderate to high consumption by modern standards, reflecting older engine technology.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Simple, robust mechanical design
- • Classic Soviet automotive heritage
- • Relatively easy to maintain for its era
- • Distinctive vintage styling
- • Durable for rough roads
Cons:
- • Very low power and slow acceleration
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks modern safety features
- • Basic interior comfort and amenities
- • Limited parts availability outside specific markets
- • Unrefined driving experience
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(408: 1964 - 1969).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Moskvich |
| Model: | 408 |
| Generation: | IE |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 (50 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1969 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 50 Hp @ 4750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 36.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 92 Nm @ 2750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AZ L K-408 More details about the engine AZ L K-408 |
| Engine displacement: | 1358 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 33 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 33 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 120 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 19.8 kg/Hp, 50.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.8 kg/Nm, 92.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 31.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 990 |
| Max. weight: | 1330 |
| Max load: | 340 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 46 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4090 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1550 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1480 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1237 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1277 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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