Audi 100 C2 vs AZLK-2141 – business class models from different countries and eras

Moskvich-2141 is, without exaggeration, a landmark model for the Lenin Komsomol Automobile Plant. Modern, and even front-wheel drive.


Initially, it was planned that the AZLK-2141 would be a higher class than the new Lada family from VAZ. And if you look into it, that's how it was. It's just that the lack of funding and problems with new engines made the new model not as reliable and prestigious as the conventional "Nine". But the Moskvich-2141's interior is much more spacious.

In this article, we will compare the AZLK business sedan with the German Audi 100 generation C2. Despite the fact that this model appeared 10 years earlier, it is considered technically more advanced. When the AZLK-2141 went into production, the Audi 100 C2 had long since changed generations.


But this is a discount for the imperfection of the Soviet carsMoreover, in technical terms, the two cars have a lot in common.

History of models

The confrontation between the largest Soviet passenger car factories always took place. And it was not due to economic factors, but to ambitions:

✅ Manuals
✅ Engineers
✅ Artists-designers

What particularly spurred the technical intelligentsia was not the fact that a new plant had appeared in the country, but the fact that the main streams of financial support were now redirected there. Naturally, Moskvich had to produce outdated models. But VAZ received the best – not only Italian, but also modern.


So, they dreamed of releasing a higher-class car to fill the niche between the VAZ-2103 and the Volga back in the 1970s. Initially, they developed rear-wheel drive models, which remained at the prototype level, then, at the instigation of the USSR Ministry of Automobile Industry, they switched to a front-wheel drive axle.

Given the technical backwardness of the Moscow car factory, they even selected a model to copy. This was the French Simca 1307/1308 – by the way, which received the title of “European Car of the Year 1976”.

Of course, the AZLK-2141 is not very similar in appearance, but these cars have a connection, and it is documented. The first cars rolled off the assembly line in 1986.

As for the Audi 100 C2, this model was a continuation of the already legendary brand line. The car went on sale in 1976, and it was a full-fledged competitor of the business class from Mercedes and BMW.


The model was produced for 6 years, after which it peacefully gave way to the next generation. In total, about a million units were produced. By the way, this is where the Soviet AZLK-2141 loses out - together with all modifications, and up until 1998, a little more than 716,8 thousand of these cars were assembled.

Appearance

The design of the AZLK-2141 was called revolutionary at the time. Although, if we draw analogies, it is a typical "Chinese scheme". Take a successful model from a famous manufacturer, copy it to the extent of your own technical capabilities, and release something "based on it".


The first prototypes had much in common with the Simca 1307/1308 in appearance – they had the same “chopped” features. But given that it was the mid-80s, they had to somehow adapt to the realities of global automobile fashion.

Therefore, the AZLK-2141 turned out to have smooth and rounded lines. The car turned out to be streamlined and even very aerodynamic. The streamlining coefficient of the serial car was declared equal to 0,35.

As for the exterior of the Audi 100 C2, it is a typical "child of its time". No rounded lines - only angularity. Hatchbacks looked more streamlined, but only due to the shape of the body.


Looking at two cars, it is difficult to say which of them is more beautiful in appearance. Everyone will have their own preferences in design. Therefore, in the nomination "appearance" it is definitely a draw.

Body and prices

Now let's deal with rust. Both cars have issues with this. Finding whole copies for sale is difficult, but possible. By the way, they are asking 100 thousand rubles for two of the three Audi 2 C150s for sale in Russia. Inexpensive, and the cars are in good condition in terms of bodywork.

The AZLK-2141 can also be bought in Russia without any particular problems. There are more than a hundred examples on sale, asking from 50 thousand rubles for them.

In terms of pricing, Moskvich is definitely the winner. In terms of body integrity, both cars are roughly equal. But here, too, AZLK-2141 is a clear winner. Not because it rots slower – it’s quite the opposite. It’s just that body parts are much more accessible and easy to find.


Of course, the build quality of the Audi 100 C2 is much higher. It is pleasant to look at the body gaps, if the car has not been in an accident. But this is no longer essential when owning retro models.

Salon

The Moskvich greets the driver and passengers with a square design, low-quality plastic. And strange headrests that look like old Soviet washboards. And yes, they are also made of plastic.

The only advantage of the AZLK-2141 today is its spacious interior. The low-quality plastic is often cracked, and the fabric is often greasy and covered in stains of unknown origin.

The Moskvich has no electronics, such as window lifters. On the one hand, this is good in our time – there is nothing to break.

The Audi 100 C2 is also a simple car in terms of interior, but it has more options. The most expensive CD trim levels included:

✅ Electric windows
✅ Central lock
✅ Velour interior

The interior of the German car is spacious and ergonomically correct. But now it will be difficult to find a car in good condition. And turning a time-worn example into an ideal one without having a “strategic financial reserve” is completely impossible.


And again, it's a draw. Let the interior of the German car be definitely better, but it's harder to find the ideal option. And if you don't take the CD trim level, then most Audi 100 C2s are "empty".

Engines and gearboxes

Initially, the AZLK design department planned to develop new engines with a volume of 2,0 liters. This dream stretched back to the rear-wheel drive prototypes. Unfortunately, reality turned out to be cruel - funds were not allocated for their own engines.


We had to make do with what we had, and even that wasn't ours. Initially, the car was equipped with VAZ-2106 and UZAM-331.10 engines. Then UZAM-3317 and VAZ-21213 were added. But the heavy car with these power units drove slowly, and wasn't distinguished by its dynamics.

But the Audi 100 C2 had no problems with engines. The engine lineup mainly includes petrol power units with a volume of 1,6 to 2,1 liters. Their power is from 85 to 136 hp.


Diesel engines were only available with a volume of 1,6 liters and a power of 70 to 87 hp. These versions of cars did not differ in dynamics, but were still faster than the AZLK-2141 in any version.

The Moskvich had only mechanical gearboxes. But Audi occasionally had three-speed automatics. Of course, with them the car became slower, but it was more convenient to drive in the city.


In the nomination "engines and gearboxes" the "German" clearly wins. In the range of power units, it was possible to choose an engine that suited the character of different drivers. And the presence of an automatic transmission allowed you to relax behind the wheel.

What to choose?

None of the heroes of the article are suitable for the role of a car for every day. The "German" is too rare, and spare parts for it will have to be ordered from abroad.


AZLK-2141 is also not the best choice. The car is unfinished and "breakable" for modern drivers. And it is becoming more and more difficult to get spare parts for the model every year. This is not a VAZ, but a Moskvich, which went bankrupt long ago.

But for heavy work in rural areas, involving the transportation of building materials and scrap metal, the AZLK-2141 is suitable. It has high ground clearance, and the car can be repaired with your own hands.

But with such use the car will last for 2-3 years. It's a pity, because this is our history, not like the Audi 100 C2...