2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara vs Golf II: which is better?
Lada 2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara (1984–2004) vs Volkswagen Golf II (1983–1992): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lada 2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara
Volkswagen Golf IISpecifications
| Lada 2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara | Volkswagen Golf II | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1984–2004 | 1983–1992 |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 70 hp | 75 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 125 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 006 mm | 3 985 mm |
| Width | 1 650 mm | 1 665 mm |
| Height | 1 402 mm | 1 415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 460 mm | 2 475 mm |
| Ground clearance | 165 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 43 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lada 2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara
Pros
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VAZ (1.5–1.6): timing belt failure: bends valves on some engines
- Small tank: 43 L
- Age: the last cars were built in 2004, condition is everything
Engine (VAZ (1.5–1.6)): timing belt snapping: bends valves on some engines; sensor and thermostat failures; valve cover leak.
Volkswagen Golf II
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Age: the last cars were built in 1992, condition is everything
Which one to choose
- 2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Golf II — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara or Golf II?
2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara: up to 70 hp, Golf II: up to 75 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 2108 / 2109 / 21099 Samara — about 8 650 ₸, Golf II — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.