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GAZ 20 M 2.1 (52 Hp)
Overall Rating
GAZ 20:
GAZ is a Russian automotive manufacturer located in Nizhny Novgorod, formerly known as Gorky. It is the core subsidiary of GAZ Group Holding, which is itself part of Basic Element industrial group. JSC Russian Machines is the controlling shareholder in OAO GAZ.
In May 1929 the Soviet Union signed an agreement with the American Ford Motor Company. Under its terms, the Soviets agreed to purchase $13 million worth of automobiles and parts, while Ford agreed to give technical assistance until 1938 to construct an integrated automobile-manufacturing plant at Nizhny Novgorod. The factory was founded and production started on 1 January 1932. At the time the factory was known as Nizhny Novgorod Automobile Plant, short NAZ , full name Nizhny Novgorod Automobile Plant named after V. M. Molotov , after the Soviet minister Vyacheslav Molotov. In 1932 the plant produced its first automobiles, GAZ-AA truck and GAZ-A passenger car. The cars were based on the Ford Model AA and Ford Model A, respectively....(Read more on Wikipedia)
M Overview:
GAZ 20 (M). With 127 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1460 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 46 s). The top speed reaches 105 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 1940s, the GAZ 20M predates modern safety standards and testing protocols like Euro NCAP. It lacks fundamental safety features such as airbags, ABS, and crumple zones, offering only basic structural protection.
2.1 (52 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 2.1L 52 Hp engine provided modest performance, typical for its post-war era. Acceleration was leisurely (46 seconds 0-100 km/h), and top speed limited, making it suitable for unhurried travel rather than spirited driving.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy data is not readily available, but given its carburettor and older design, it would be considered inefficient by contemporary standards, albeit acceptable for its time and purpose.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic classic design and historical significance
- • Robust and simple mechanicals, relatively easy to maintain (for its era)
- • Spacious interior for its time
- • Durable construction suitable for varied road conditions
Cons:
- • Very limited performance and slow acceleration by modern standards
- • Poor fuel economy compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Complete lack of modern safety features
- • Basic comfort and driving dynamics
- • Outdated braking system (drum brakes all around)
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | GAZ |
| Model: | 20 |
| Generation: | M |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.1 (52 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1946 |
| End of production: | 1956 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 52 Hp @ 3600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 24.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 127 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2111 |
| 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: | 82 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 100 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 6.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 46 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 46 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 105 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 28.1 kg/Hp, 35.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.5 kg/Nm, 87 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 43.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1460 |
| Max. weight: | 1835 |
| Max load: | 375 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4665 mm mm |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm |
| Height: | 1640 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1364 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1362 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Drum |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 205/75 R16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
If you could change one thing about the GAZ 20, what would it be?