2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 vs Golf III: which is better?
Lada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 (1997–2013) vs Volkswagen Golf III (1991–1997): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2
Volkswagen Golf IIISpecifications
| Lada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 | Volkswagen Golf III | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1997–2013 | 1991–1997 |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 8V | 1.8 |
| Power, up to | 81 hp | 75 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 140 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 122 mm | 4 020 mm |
| Width | 1 650 mm | 1 695 mm |
| Height | 1 402 mm | 1 425 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) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 15 075 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2
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
Engine (VAZ (1.5–1.6)): timing belt snapping: bends valves on some engines; sensor and thermostat failures; valve cover leak.
Volkswagen Golf III
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Age: the last cars were built in 1997, condition is everything
Which one to choose
- 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 — if you care more about: power, kz tax 2026.
- Golf III — if you care more about: 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: 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 or Golf III?
2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2: up to 81 hp, Golf III: up to 75 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 — about 13 675 ₸, Golf III — about 15 075 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
2113 / 2114 / 2115 vs GolfLada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 / Volkswagen Golf IV2113 / 2114 / 2115 vs AstraLada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 / Opel Astra F2113 / 2114 / 2115 vs AstraLada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 / Opel Astra G2113 / 2114 / 2115 vs FocusLada 2113 / 2114 / 2115 Samara 2 / Ford Focus IGolf vs AstraVolkswagen Golf III / Opel Astra F