Lada 2104 1984–2012 car dimensions: 4115 mm long, 1620 mm wide and 1443 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,020 kg. Braked towing is 600 kg.
The cabin uses a basic layout with analog instruments for speed, fuel level, coolant temperature and voltage. Heating and ventilation rely on a manual system with three sliders and a fan. Front seats include headrests with basic adjustment. Some versions take the interior trim, console and seats from the related 2107 model. Rear window heating and a rear wiper are fitted as standard on later cars. No electronic driver aids appear in the equipment.
The boot holds 345 litres with the rear seats in place. Folding the rear bench as a single section raises capacity to 1035 litres and creates a flat load floor. A full-size spare sits under the floor.
Payload reaches 455 kg. The car can tow 300 kg unbraked or 600 kg braked. Roof load is limited to 50 kg.
As a five-door estate it suits light cargo and mixed family or work duties on ordinary roads.
Cabin uses basic hard plastics, vinyl or fabric trim depending on grade. Front seats are soft and formless with headrests and basic manual fore-aft plus backrest adjustments but no side support. Rear is a flat three-person bench that folds as one piece. outer seats have belts, middle has lap belt, no headrests. Heater draws from engine coolant with two-speed fan and three sliders. no recirculation. Higher trims add 2107-style dash, console and knitted fabric. Rear glass heater and wiper standard from mid-production. Noise from engine is high. long trips tire the driver due to seating position and heavy unassisted steering.
Petrol AI-92 (or AI-80 on early carburettor versions). tank 42-45 L.
Oil and filter change every 10 000 km or yearly.
Related 2107 scored 0 points/0 stars in 2001 ARCAP frontal test. 2104 itself not separately tested.
Standard safety: inertia seat belts (front + outer rear), lap belt middle rear, collapsible steering column, dual-circuit disc/drum brakes, front headrests.
High DIY maintainability. parts cheap and widely available.
Engines run on AI-92 petrol. Carburettor and later injection versions both accept it. diesel options existed in small numbers. Consumption sits in the 7-10 L/100 km range depending on engine size, load and driving style. Tank holds about 42-45 litres including reserve.
Service is straightforward. Oil change interval is 10 000 km or once a year. Valve clearances need checking every 10 000 km. Timing belt (on 1.3 engines) or chain (on others) lasts longer but still requires periodic attention. Cooling system must use proper antifreeze only. Most work can be done by any garage or owner. parts cost little and knowledge is universal.
Passive safety kit is limited to inertia seat belts for driver, front passenger and outer rear seats plus a lap belt in the middle, front headrests and a collapsible steering column. Brakes are dual-circuit with front discs and rear drums. No airbags or electronic aids. A 2001 ARCAP frontal test of the closely related 2107 returned zero points and zero stars. body structure of the 2104 is essentially identical.
Body metal needs extra anti-corrosion treatment, especially around the fifth door, sills and rear wheel arches. With care the car lasts decades. Simple design, low running costs and easy repairs make it practical for everyday or rural use, provided rust is controlled and overloads avoided.
Length 4115 mm, Width 1620 mm, Height 1443 mm, Wheelbase 2424 mm (2104 1984–2012)
Sources: manufacturer data, AvtoVAZ VAZ-2105/2104 repair-manual specification table and the VAZ-2104 dimension drawing , with the 1995 album Автомобили ВАЗ 2105, 2104, Fuel tank.