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GAZ 31 02 2.3 16V (150 Hp)
Overall Rating
GAZ 31:
The GAZ Volga is an executive car that originated in the Soviet Union to replace the GAZ Pobeda in 1956. Their role in serving the Soviet nomenklatura made them a contemporary cultural icon. Several generations of the car have been produced.
Despite the continuous modernisations, GAZ found it increasingly difficult to keep the ageing design competitive in a market economy. GAZ CEO Bo Andersson decided to discontinue the Volga range in 2010.
The first generation Volga was developed as a replacement for the 1946 GAZ-M20 Pobeda mid-size car, based on a brief issued in 1951. The first pre-production batch left GAZ on 10 October 1956. It was built in three distinct series; in total 639,478 Volgas were built from 1956 until 1970. There was also an estate derivative and a rare, V8-engined version developed for the KGB's 9th Directorate as an escort vehicle for motorcades....(Read more on Wikipedia)
02 Overview:
GAZ 31 (02). With 211 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1500 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 13.5 s). The top speed reaches 175 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.
The GAZ 3102 was not subjected to modern Euro NCAP safety tests. Its design predates many contemporary safety standards, and it is expected to offer basic passive safety features typical of its era, lacking advanced driver-assistance systems.
2.3 16V (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most powerful option, providing the best acceleration and highway capability for the generation, offering a noticeable boost.
Fuel Economy
Expected to have similar or slightly higher fuel consumption than the 131 Hp variant due to increased power output.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust and durable construction, built for tough conditions.
- • Spacious interior and large trunk capacity (500-1450 liters).
- • Simple, easy-to-maintain mechanics, ideal for DIY repairs.
- • Good value for money as a utilitarian workhorse.
- • Rear-wheel drive layout offers traditional driving dynamics.
Cons:
- • Outdated design and technology compared to Western counterparts.
- • Generally poor fuel economy across most engine variants.
- • Limited modern safety features and no Euro NCAP rating.
- • Unrefined engines with noticeable noise and vibration.
- • Basic comfort features and leaf spring rear suspension.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(0221: 1996 - 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | GAZ |
| Model: | 31 |
| Generation: | 02 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 16V (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 65.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 211 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2287 |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10 kg/Hp, 100 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 140.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1500 |
| Max. weight: | 1800 |
| Max load: | 300 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1450 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4960 mm mm [75mm more] |
| Width: | 1820 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Height: | 1476 mm mm [100mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1510 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1423 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
What’s the best feature of the GAZ 31? Tell us in the comments!