Discussion
Hi, PH guys!
I live in Russia, without Ford Anglia's, Triumph Dolomite's, and Wolseley Hornet's. But I've been reading PH for several years. Some members have great cars, another are wise in technics, and the the rest write in such a funny manner. So, keep on and thanks for all!
I haven't owned any stunning cars, but let me introduce mu previous an current ones.
My first car (except Dad's Lada Samara) was Lada 112, a 5-door hatchback with 90 hp 16-valve 1.5. It weights a ton and performs quite well for a 7000 USD car, as it costed new in 2003. But it handles awful in stock so I replaced springs and shocks with stiffer and shorter ones. Smaller and sportier steering wheels, short-shifter and aftermarket muffler were installed.
Here are some pictures, it's March and the car wears donut-ish winter tyres:
My next and current car is Suzuki Swift 1.3 manual. It was kinda "realistic dream car" for me, an example of pure compact car, not so decorative glamorous as many others. So, I bought it 3 month ago. I like the handling and stiff "heavy-duty" suspension, wich is necessary on our bad roads. Frankly speaking, it's not enough power on a highway, but the engine is "revvy" and has a good throttle response. I have some tuning plans: alloys with better tires, ICE etc. But no performance mods this time. And no rice-racing mods too
I also drive a company fleet car, which may be interesting for you. You should remember old Lada Niva, kind of compact SUV derivation of FIAT-based Ladas. It was a good car, well-known in Europe.
Here we still have this model and it's successor, branded as Chevrolet Niva made by GM-Lada joint venture. It has similar to old Niva robust suspension, 1.7 MPI engine and full-time 4WD transmission with low-range. It goes like a 80-90's car and accelerates very slow but with the price starting at 15000 USD and excellent off-road characteristics Chevy Niva is a good value for money.
Not mine:
From Russia with love
PS: sorry for my bad English.
I live in Russia, without Ford Anglia's, Triumph Dolomite's, and Wolseley Hornet's. But I've been reading PH for several years. Some members have great cars, another are wise in technics, and the the rest write in such a funny manner. So, keep on and thanks for all!
I haven't owned any stunning cars, but let me introduce mu previous an current ones.
My first car (except Dad's Lada Samara) was Lada 112, a 5-door hatchback with 90 hp 16-valve 1.5. It weights a ton and performs quite well for a 7000 USD car, as it costed new in 2003. But it handles awful in stock so I replaced springs and shocks with stiffer and shorter ones. Smaller and sportier steering wheels, short-shifter and aftermarket muffler were installed.
Here are some pictures, it's March and the car wears donut-ish winter tyres:
My next and current car is Suzuki Swift 1.3 manual. It was kinda "realistic dream car" for me, an example of pure compact car, not so decorative glamorous as many others. So, I bought it 3 month ago. I like the handling and stiff "heavy-duty" suspension, wich is necessary on our bad roads. Frankly speaking, it's not enough power on a highway, but the engine is "revvy" and has a good throttle response. I have some tuning plans: alloys with better tires, ICE etc. But no performance mods this time. And no rice-racing mods too
I also drive a company fleet car, which may be interesting for you. You should remember old Lada Niva, kind of compact SUV derivation of FIAT-based Ladas. It was a good car, well-known in Europe.
Here we still have this model and it's successor, branded as Chevrolet Niva made by GM-Lada joint venture. It has similar to old Niva robust suspension, 1.7 MPI engine and full-time 4WD transmission with low-range. It goes like a 80-90's car and accelerates very slow but with the price starting at 15000 USD and excellent off-road characteristics Chevy Niva is a good value for money.
Not mine:
From Russia with love
PS: sorry for my bad English.
Edited by kir_s on Wednesday 30th July 11:35
Good post!
That new Niva looks interesting. Swifts are lovely little cars in my opinion, really nicely proportioned and good to drive.
That Lada 112 reminds me of when a guy driving one chased me through the back streets of Prague. I was in a Rover 75, he followed us into a small estate and attempted to block the road but we charged at him and swerved around him on the pavement. Fun times!
That new Niva looks interesting. Swifts are lovely little cars in my opinion, really nicely proportioned and good to drive.
That Lada 112 reminds me of when a guy driving one chased me through the back streets of Prague. I was in a Rover 75, he followed us into a small estate and attempted to block the road but we charged at him and swerved around him on the pavement. Fun times!
Thank's for warm welcome!
t, but people buy it thinking it's better than Ladas. And, offcourse, we have all kind of russian/soviet cars, not only Ladas you know.
Modern Ladas are nothing goos except the price. But all of Ladas are good material for "projects", cause of extra low price for tuning and racing parts.
Lada Priora: new-shape Lada 110/112 with rear lights close to VXHL/Opel Vectra's ones, powerwd by 1.6 DOHC 100 hp; costs 13000-14000 USD.
Lada Kalina: this time Lada made something more modern, but again with a little bits of old VXHL/Opel Corsa; costs 12-13 USD.
Sedan is ugly like many other little sedans.
There's gonna be a Kalina R2 this year with tuned suspension, brakes and 125HP 1.6 engine; don't know the price yet.
We have another car manufacturer branding their cars as Volga.
Their "classic" model (just "Volga"): several times restyled 60's model. Since last year it has Chrysler 2.4 DOHC, front disc brakes (!) front suspension with balls (no pivot bolts!), but still has rear live axle; this car is common for government and taxi fleets; it costs up to 12000 USD.
"Pure classic" version; 13000 USD. Buy the way, 10 years ago in has an optional Rover 2.0 and Rover V8 engines.
New Volga Siber: a facelifted Chrysler Sebring, starting this autumn with 2.0, 2.4, 2.7 engines; from 18000 USD.
Here is the third national manufacturer UAZ producing body-no-frame part-time live axle offroaders.
UAZ 469 and restyled under name Hunter: 60's army offroader common to LD Defender and M-B G-class, but it has an option of portal axles giving 300 mm (12 inches?) ground clearance.
UAZ 450 van: ancient construction, 2.9 with carburettor, totally uncomfortable, but really bulletproof.
UAZ Patriot: much more comfortable car with russian 2.7 DOHC engine or (end of the year) Iveco diesel, ABS, 2 airbags, air-condition, 2 heaters, double glovebox, removable and transformable rear seats, 2 benches in a trunk; costs up to 20000 USD. As good off-road as classic models except disadvantages of bigger length and weight. The car isn't excellent, but this is the Russian to be proud of.
sniff petrol said:
I'm sure they'll fix it - don't want to upset the Russians!
Hope so bob1179 said:
Priviet!
Kak Dela?
Horosho Kak Dela?
Dr G said:
Much exotica in your part of the world?
We have all kinds of european, american and asian cars of last 20+ years. In the eastern part (Syberia) people drive different RHD japanese cars, this may be exotic for Continental Europe. Unfortunatly, last several years we suffer from chinese invasion, their fake cars are pure st, but people buy it thinking it's better than Ladas. And, offcourse, we have all kind of russian/soviet cars, not only Ladas you know.Modern Ladas are nothing goos except the price. But all of Ladas are good material for "projects", cause of extra low price for tuning and racing parts.
Lada Priora: new-shape Lada 110/112 with rear lights close to VXHL/Opel Vectra's ones, powerwd by 1.6 DOHC 100 hp; costs 13000-14000 USD.
Lada Kalina: this time Lada made something more modern, but again with a little bits of old VXHL/Opel Corsa; costs 12-13 USD.
Sedan is ugly like many other little sedans.
There's gonna be a Kalina R2 this year with tuned suspension, brakes and 125HP 1.6 engine; don't know the price yet.
We have another car manufacturer branding their cars as Volga.
Their "classic" model (just "Volga"): several times restyled 60's model. Since last year it has Chrysler 2.4 DOHC, front disc brakes (!) front suspension with balls (no pivot bolts!), but still has rear live axle; this car is common for government and taxi fleets; it costs up to 12000 USD.
"Pure classic" version; 13000 USD. Buy the way, 10 years ago in has an optional Rover 2.0 and Rover V8 engines.
New Volga Siber: a facelifted Chrysler Sebring, starting this autumn with 2.0, 2.4, 2.7 engines; from 18000 USD.
Here is the third national manufacturer UAZ producing body-no-frame part-time live axle offroaders.
UAZ 469 and restyled under name Hunter: 60's army offroader common to LD Defender and M-B G-class, but it has an option of portal axles giving 300 mm (12 inches?) ground clearance.
UAZ 450 van: ancient construction, 2.9 with carburettor, totally uncomfortable, but really bulletproof.
UAZ Patriot: much more comfortable car with russian 2.7 DOHC engine or (end of the year) Iveco diesel, ABS, 2 airbags, air-condition, 2 heaters, double glovebox, removable and transformable rear seats, 2 benches in a trunk; costs up to 20000 USD. As good off-road as classic models except disadvantages of bigger length and weight. The car isn't excellent, but this is the Russian to be proud of.
I love those UAZ vans, there were loads on site!
As for the Gaz Volga, this has to be one of my favourite cars. I actually wanted to ship one back to the UK and drop an LS engine into it. I still feel the urge to follow the dream, but you have to contend with Russian 'export tax'.
The Patriot is a good motor actually, I got to have a go in one off road, they seem to be pretty capable.
Kir, I also loved those Maz and Gaz trucks with the big old V8's, I always thought they sounded klassno!
As for the Gaz Volga, this has to be one of my favourite cars. I actually wanted to ship one back to the UK and drop an LS engine into it. I still feel the urge to follow the dream, but you have to contend with Russian 'export tax'.
The Patriot is a good motor actually, I got to have a go in one off road, they seem to be pretty capable.
Kir, I also loved those Maz and Gaz trucks with the big old V8's, I always thought they sounded klassno!
Kir_s said "but really bulletproof".
Required in some parts of Moscow:-))
I was there around 10 years back and the bus driver just drove round a dead body (human not dog/cat) and continued on his journey.
I had to take a double take on that one.
Kir_s, Do you still see any Zil's or Chaika's on the road?
Phil
79 De Tomaso Longchamp GTS
Required in some parts of Moscow:-))
I was there around 10 years back and the bus driver just drove round a dead body (human not dog/cat) and continued on his journey.
I had to take a double take on that one.
Kir_s, Do you still see any Zil's or Chaika's on the road?
Phil
79 De Tomaso Longchamp GTS
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff