FSO Warszawa 223 2.1 (77 Hp)


Overall Rating

5.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 1.5 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

FSO Warszawa:

The FSO Warszawa is an automobile manufactured by FSO factory in Warsaw, Poland between 1951 and 1973, based on GAZ-M20 Pobeda.
The Warszawa was the first newly designed car built in Poland after the World War II. Warszawas were popular as taxis because of their sturdiness and ruggedness. However, they were underpowered for their weight and had high fuel consumption. In total, 254,471 cars were made.
Named after Poland's capital city Warsaw, the Warszawa was until 1957 identical to the Soviet Pobeda, built under license, which was given to Poland by GAZ at Joseph Stalin's insistence. The engine was the same, side-valve M-20 unit of 2. 1 L as used in the Pobeda, producing 50 hp. Exports of the car started in 1954 to countries such as Romania, China, Bulgaria and Albania. In 1956 work began on the development of a new four-speed gearbox. However, it failed in practice and its development was suspended. In the same year, work began on an overhead valve engine that could be used to drive the car. This engine was a copy of the Étendard engine used on the Renault Frégate, and started being put on Warszawa models in 1962. The first major modernization took place in 1957. The new model was called FSO Warszawa M20 model 57, but not long after its name was changed to Warszawa 200. The new model received a restyled front-end section. The powertrain was modified too, the compression ratio was raised from 6. 2:1 to 6. 8:1 and maximum power crept up to 52 hp....(Read more on Wikipedia)

223 Overview:

FSO Warszawa (223). With a weight of 1375 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 37.5 s). The top speed reaches 130 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The FSO Warszawa 223 predates modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing. Safety features were rudimentary by contemporary measures, focusing on basic structural integrity rather than advanced occupant protection systems.

2.1 (77 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The 2.1L S-21 engine provides very modest performance, with a leisurely acceleration (0-100 km/h in 37.5 seconds) suitable only for relaxed driving. Top speed is limited, reflecting its utilitarian design.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is poor by modern standards, with 12 l/100 km being typical for a carburetted engine of its size and era, making it expensive to run.

Best Use Case: Rural / Utility

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Robust and simple mechanicals, easy to maintain
  • • Spacious interior for its class
  • • High ground clearance suitable for varied road conditions
  • • Classic, utilitarian design appeal for enthusiasts

Cons:

  • • Very poor acceleration and top speed
  • • High fuel consumption by modern standards
  • • Rudimentary safety features
  • • Basic comfort and driving dynamics
  • • Drum brakes all around limit stopping power

Specifications:

General:
Brand:FSO
Model:Warszawa
Generation:223
Modification (Engine):2.1 (77 Hp)
Start of production:1967
End of production:1973
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:77 Hp @ 4000 rpm.
Power per litre:36.3 Hp/l
Engine Model/Code:S-21
Engine displacement:2120
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHV
Engine oil capacity:6 l
Coolant:10.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:82 mm mm
Piston Stroke:100 mm mm
Compression ratio:7.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:37.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:37.5 sec
Maximum speed:130 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:17.9 kg/Hp, 56 Hp/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:35.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1375
Max. weight:1870
Max load:495
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4740 mm mm
Width:1695 mm mm
Height:1565 mm mm
Wheelbase:2700 mm mm
Front track:1395 mm
Rear (Back) track:1402 mm
Front overhang:800 mm
Rear overhang:1240 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):195 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears3
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDrum
Rear brakesDrum
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Tires size195/75 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring, Wishbone
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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