Does anyone speak this language?

[papooses]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c-JIFcEzkM

I'm not sure if it's Russian or something else :confused::o but it looks pretty interesting/informative :)

[oursonend]

I can't get the sound working on my computer so I don't know what I'm missing, but that is a pretty interesting video! Very cool to see crash tests with real cars in such a plausible crash scenario.

[mommycat]

I can't get sound at work either, but from the .ru site location I would agree that it's probably russian.

[southpawboston]

yep, it's russian for sure, and the car they showed in the beginning is a really old model lada (russian car).

[Adventuredad]

It's Russian and unfortunately not even close to any of the other languages I speak. It's a great video, wish I could understand what they are saying. A problem with Russia and many of the former East European countries is that wearing a seatbelt means you're a wimp. It's like that in many Latin countries as well. Seat belts are not cool and shouldn't be used:mad:

The car is a classic called Lada. It was a very cheap car of horrible quality that was around for many years. I think (and hope) it hasn't been around for some time.

Great find Papooses:thumbsup:

[mommycat]

The car is a classic called Lada. It was a very cheap car of horrible quality that was around for many years. I think (and hope) it hasn't been around for some time.

Apparently Lada is still producing cars - here's their official website: http://www.lada-auto.ru/
However they are undoubtedly no longer such a crappy car, or they would surely not still be selling... one hopes.

[Adventuredad]

Lets just say that some countries in Eastern Europe have a little **cough** lower standards regarding cars. The new ones look pretty good I must say. Haven't seen a Lada anywhere in Europe during the past 25 years.

[QuassEE]

It's maybe been a year since I last saw a Lada Samara here in Vancouver. ;)

-Nicole.

[mommycat]

Lets just say that some countries in Eastern Europe have a little **cough** lower standards regarding cars. The new ones look pretty good I must say. Haven't seen a Lada anywhere in Europe during the past 25 years.
Well, yes, I originate from one of those countries, so I have SEEN the crappy cars (and driven in them). But things are improving (at least in "my" country) and the standards are definitely going up.

[QuassEE]

Duuuuuuuuuuude...now THERE'S my car...

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/cto/925664422.html

I'll have to update my signature now.

[Adventuredad]

Well, yes, I originate from one of those countries, so I have SEEN the crappy cars (and driven in them). But things are improving (at least in "my" country) and the standards are definitely going up.

I agree, I drive a Volvo so it's not like I can claim driving the worlds most exclusive car:whistle:

Skoda for example, are making good cars today. It wasn't long ago they were a joke.

Duuuuuuuuuuude...now THERE'S my car...

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/cto/925664422.html

I'll have to update my signature now.

That's a classic.:D

[mommycat]

Here's the kind of car my grandfather has had since I can remember, the "Little Fiat" (translated). It has no power assist on anything, including no power brakes. You have to have some muscle to drive that. Oh and this: "Engine capacity gradually increased from 594 cc to 652 cc and then to 704 cc in new "restyling" model Fiat 126 Bis (1987-1991), with 26 bhp of motive power." DH's motorcycle has more engine than this!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_126p

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/13/19044697_1e497ea0d5.jpg?v=0

[southpawboston]

I agree, I drive a Volvo so it's not like I can claim driving the worlds most exclusive car:whistle:

Skoda for example, are making good cars today. It wasn't long ago they were a joke.


skoda may have been a joke by western standards (even the name itself is a joke-- skoda literally means "pity" :eek:), but by the former east bloc standards, skoda were considered superior to all the other crappy offerings from russia, hungary or poland. unfortunately the entire east european auto industry was stifled by communist bureaucracy and not given the resources to compete globally. i lived in the east bloc and drove many of the typical communist-era cars (the russian ladas, volgas, moskviches, the czech skodas, the tiny fiats, etc). skoda were the most innovative, modern looking and reliable (again, within the soviet bloc... forget the rest of the world). in fact, the skoda favorit, which was the last of the soviet-era skodas (came out around 1988), was a decent car whose design was penned by famous italian design group bertone. i drove all throughout eastern europe in that car and it was quite capable, if utilitarian... think first generation VW golf.

the reason skoda is a good (by modern, global standards) car today is because it's just a collection of rebadged volkswagens. their cars are really volkswagens with a little bit of design and engineering input from the skoda folks to keep the brand distinction (skoda being the lower end brand). most of the skoda cars today, from the raw materials and parts, to the complete engines and the manufacturing facilities, are basically volkswagen.