GAZ Volga 1970–1985 car dimensions: 4735 mm long, 1800 mm wide and 1490 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,420 kg. Braked towing is 300 kg.
The cabin seats five adults comfortably in a wide but short interior with soft spring seats that have folding armrests on early cars. A three-band radio is standard. The heater and ventilation system supplies warm air to the footwells, windscreen and side glass, plus a dedicated blower for the rear window. Visibility is good thanks to thin pillars and large glass area. No electronic driver aids are fitted.
The boot is long and wide yet shallow because the fuel tank sits underneath. The spare wheel lies flat on the floor and takes noticeable space. Rated luggage load is 50 kg.
Maximum towing capacity is 300 kg. Payload is 400 kg, based on the 1420 kg kerb weight and 1820 kg gross vehicle weight. The car is intended for paved-road passenger use rather than heavy work.
The cabin is wide and practical with thin pillars for good visibility of all four corners. Soft spring-loaded bench or split seats offer basic comfort for five adults but little lateral support and a bouncy feel. Front seats adjust for reach and backrest angle. early ones include a fold-down armrest that can form a sixth seat or sleeping surface. Heater and defroster work well with rear window blower. Radio is standard. Trim is durable vinyl and cloth suited to hard use. Legroom is limited for taller drivers and the large fixed steering wheel can feel cramped.
Petrol engine runs on AI-93 or lower-octane A-76 fuel. 55-litre tank.
Highway fuel use rated 10.5 litres per 100 km at steady 80 km/h.
Service intervals at 6 000, 12 000, 24 000 and 48 000 km plus seasonal checks.
Drum brakes on all wheels with dual-circuit hydraulics and hydro-vacuum assist.
Seat belts available or fitted later. collapsible steering column and soft interior pads added for safety.
The 2.4-litre petrol engine is durable and pulls strongly at low revs. It accepts common Soviet-era fuels and returns reasonable economy for its size and weight when driven steadily. Real-world use stays well under 18 litres per 100 km. Keep the carburettor and points ignition in tune for smooth running.
Routine service centres on oil changes, kingpin and chassis greasing, brake adjustment and filter cleaning. The aluminium engine with wet liners rebuilds easily and often lasts 200 000 km or more before major work if oil is kept clean. Parts remain straightforward to source and many jobs can be done by the owner.
Safety kit includes dual-circuit drum brakes with power assist, a parking brake on the rear wheels and a collapsible steering column. Later cars gained seat belts, padded dash knobs and soft door panels. Body structure is rigid with thick steel. No official crash ratings appear in the records.
The car is built for rough roads and long service life. Store it dry, treat cavities against rust and lubricate the kingpin suspension regularly. With basic care it remains simple and reliable to keep on the road for decades.
Length 4735 mm, Width 1800 mm, Height 1490 mm, Wheelbase 2800 mm (Volga 1970–1985)
Sources: manufacturer data and published specifications.