Which is better - MAZ or KamAZ? Reviews about cars

What comes to mind when the phrase "popular domestic truck"? Well, of course, - KamAZ. And the first synonym of this famous brand, which pops up in my head, is MAZ. MAZ and KAMAZ are two popular manufacturers and two well-known competitors. And yet, what is better - MAZ or KamAZ? We will look for this answer in this article.

Main Features of a Truck

In order to understand which car manufacturer is better, whose trucks are more popular, it is best to contact the main consumers. Evaluating the complex of reviews for each brand, it is easy to make a verdict in a long-standing dispute. And the easiest way is to evaluate the reviews, presenting that right now a cargo model of a well-known manufacturer is needed. Whose car will be better, and we will buy.

First of all, it is necessary to determine what KamAZ or MAZ is needed for. After all, in each brand there is a large selection of models for the purpose. There are usual on-board cars with different cargo capacity, and there are specialized timber trucks or dump trucks. In each model range there are several powerful tractors and, of course, all-terrain variants with increased cross-country capability.

The next step is the definition of the selection criterion. Better what? Let us dwell on such popular and at the same time important installations:

• Cost;
• Reliability and quality;
• The price of consumables in the service process;
• Comfort during operation.

Also do not forget about the nuances of using a new car and a car with mileage. In each specific case there will be a difference between the car MAZ or KamAZ. What to choose for personal use, and what is best left and not to think, will show a comparative characteristic based on feedback.

A bit of history

For a better study of the question, which is better - MAZ or KamAZ, we will consider some historical facts. And we will start with the senior truck manufacturer - MAZ.

The first trucks left the assembly line of the Minsk Automobile Plant in 1947. MAZ-200 managed to become irreplaceable helpers when in 1957 an upgraded version of MAZ-500 appeared. Modified "500's" went into the series only in 1965 and were the base version for a large variety of special equipment. There were simple dump trucks and tractors, as well as milk trucks and fire trucks. The next time the 500 series was upgraded only in 1977. Appeared MAZ possessed a more modern for that time kind, and also carried on the chassis a durable metal platform.

The history of KamAZ brand began much later. The first 5 trucks were manufactured in 1976. Thus, KamAZ is younger than MAZ, for 19 years. As we see, at this stage to answer the question, which is better - MAZ or KAMAZ, still it is impossible. The entire Soviet Union was included in the production of the enterprise on the Kama. For record dates, several complexes for the production of trucks of various modifications with their own scientific center were built. It was a one-off production, where everything, from the cog and ending with the power unit, was made on the spot. For 10 years, that is, by 1986, KamAZ has fully recouped investments in construction.

MAZ Features

The trucks of the well-known MAZ company have proved themselves well in the transportation of goods for long distances. Supporters of the choice of this car note its great fitness for highways and good asphalt. Supportive cars mark a comfortable cabin and greater reliability of power units. Especially praise the cars of the lower class "Euro-2". And this despite the fact that today in the line of MAZ models there are cars with the class "Euro-6". When answering the question "MAZ or KAMAZ - what to choose?" The supporters of MAZ do not doubt, and numerous stories with a long and accident-free life of the Minsk cars lead to protection.

Today the company actively cooperates with the French concern Mann. On the basis of MAZ, several types of cargo transport with a cabin from Mann are produced. As a result, the output is a comfortable car that meets all European standards, but at a cost significantly lower than foreign counterparts.

Advantages of KamAZ

KamAZ, you can say, is the most common truck in Russia. Huge production in Naberezhnye Chelny, despite various economic difficulties, is constantly being improved, producing a wide variety of trucks and special equipment. Adherents KamAZa noted excellent cross-country ability and incredible stability in operation under the most severe conditions. High-speed engines show excellent results. This fact is confirmed by constant victories in the races "Rally Dakar".

Many motorists who answer the question "What is better - MAZ or KamAZ (dumper)?", Answer in favor of KamAZ, they know about the merits of the competitor. At the same time, most MAZ supporters confirm KamAZ's greater fitness for off-road use. Snowdrifts on "winter roads", a forest windbreak during harvesting operations, spring mudslides or autumn impassability with the same success submit to the unflappable KamAZ.

One more advantage is a reliable gearbox. Recall that the cars of this brand eight-gearbox with a divider, due to which the number of gears increases to sixteen. After KamAZ began to actively cooperate with Mercedes, the flagships 5490 and 65206 were equipped with a power unit from Mercedes, namely Daimler OM 457LA. At the same time, the flagship KamAZ-5490 has a Daimler cab. It is clear that for a new truck of this class will have to give more than 4 million rubles, but it is still less than a foreign car of this level.

Disadvantages of trucks from KamAZ

When considering whether MAZ or KamAZ (dumper) is better, the feedback of the owners is of great importance. It is important to take into account not only the merits of each brand, but also their shortcomings. So, what are the drivers complaining about driving from each brand?

When the question concerns KAMAZ over 5 years old, many complain about inadequate comfort. This is especially true for drivers who carry goods for long distances. In particular, supporters of MAZ believe that KamAZ is not designed for long trips. The next major drawback is weak parts and engine problems. Again, this applies to cars with mileage. While for MAZ, on the contrary, it is considered that once the engine was made and forgot about it.

Problems of MAZ

Both brands refer to the owners' recommendations not to overheat the power units. In principle, any diesel is bad for it. The KamAZ engine is most praised by the engine YMZ 238, even comparing it with the Kalashnikov assault rifle. That is the same reliable and trouble-free.

Truck loaders MAZ often complain about the box. And this applies to both the Minsk variant and the German ZF. The latter also "bites" for value.

And yet, what is better - MAZ or KamAZ (dumper)? The owners' responses diverge roughly equally. And in general, MAZ is considered more powerful and heavy-duty, designed to transport large loads over long distances. Given that the reviews are mainly for cars with mileage, we understand that today the picture can change constantly. After all, KamAZ and MAZ are developing and producing new cars.

Whose tractor is better

To better understand the advantages and disadvantages, we take one car from each brand in one class and compare. The first to be compared will be tractors. And since modern tractors imply a sidelno-coupling connection, it will be sidelnye tractors. From KamAZ we will consider the KamAZ-65806 car with load on the coupler up to 23225 kg, and from MAZ - MAZ-643019-8429 with about the same load - 23000 kg.

Interestingly, both versions have a Mercedes engine. At MAZ it is OM501LA on 435 hp, and at KamAZ - OM457LA on 428 hp. A similar situation with a 16-speed gearbox from ZF. The maximum speed of a Kama tractor is 90 km / h, and the Minsk one is 100 km / h. But at KamAZ two fuel tanks of 300 liters against one of the MAZ.

In general, very similar cars are obtained. The only thing for "Euro-5" KamAZ will need to pay more than for "Euro-4" from MAZ. Therefore, the question "What is better - MAZ or KAMAZ (tractor)?" Can not be unambiguously answered.

Which dumper to choose

In the category of dump trucks it is best to consider the top-end novelties carrying the maximum weight. KamAZ has a suitable four-axle 33-tonne capable of taking 25 cubes at a time - this is KamAZ-65801. On the car installed turbocharged diesel Cummins, 11.8 liter with a capacity of 440 hp. The dump truck is armed with a 16-speed ZF gearbox.

The opponent from MAZ can provide in return a truck MAZ-6516V9-480-000. This truck takes up to 21 cubic meters of payload with a total weight of up to 26,900 kg. The car has a turbo-diesel YaMZ 651.10 with a capacity of 412 "horses". There is also a 12-speed transmission with a single-disk clutch. The speed of the car is forcibly limited to 85 km / h.

As can be seen from the description, when asked what is better - MAZ or KAMAZ, the reviews do not give a definitive answer. The only thing that can be noticed is that KamAZ has a more powerful car with a declared body volume. At the same time MAZ cars are less expensive.

On-board truck for 10 tons

And how are things with simple onboard trucks? MAZ has a suitable model for 10 tons. This MAZ-5340V5-8420-000. This is a simple 4-wheeled truck with a turbocharged diesel engine YaMZ-536.10. The engine belongs to the class "Euro-4" and has 310 hp. At a volume of 6.65 liters. Mechanical nine-speed gearbox from ZF and drum brakes. Speed on the car is limited to 85 km / h.

KamAZ has something to answer its old opponent. This is the top model KamAZ-65207 with a Mercedes engine. 401 "horse", a 16-speed gearbox from ZF and a modern cabin open up new horizons in the world of trucks. On board, you can load 16 tons of payload with a total volume of 48.4 m ³ . The car is equipped with disc brakes, both in the front and 4 wheels behind.

Of the advantages of MAZ, only the price here. After all, 5340B5 can be purchased for about 3 million, while KamAZ-65207 costs twice as much. Therefore, our question "What is better - MAZ or KAMAZ, 10 tons capable of taking on board?" There is a simple answer. MAZ is cheaper when buying a new bundle.

Sortoventovozy and timber trucks

Often, trucks are required for specific jobs, for example, for transportation of timber. Consider what domestic producers can offer for these purposes. Here, MAZ-MAZ-6312V9-426-012 offers a good option. This sortiment truck is capable of carrying a cargo of more than seven meters in length and a total weight of 20,800 kg. The modern engine YMZ 651.10 has a capacity of 412 "horses" and a service life up to a major overhaul of 1 million km.

The variant from KamAZ is KamAZ-658600. This train can carry a long cargo up to 6 meters with a total mass of 11 tons. Of the good additions here is a manipulator and a full drive on all three axes. And again the answer to the question what is better - MAZ or KamAZ (timber carrier), remains open. After all, someone will need more patency, but someone more space.

Special equipment from famous brands

Among the MAZ model range, there is a lot of interesting technology. There are truck cranes, concrete mixers, buses, and garbage trucks. Of particular interest is the MAZ-6425X9-433-000 all-wheel drive tractor. This truck is equipped with 420-strong engine YMZ 6585.10 and 9-speed box of the Yaroslavl plant. There is a big cabin with a bed. The total weight of the cargo is 21 tons.

The KamAZ range is no less extensive. Here you can find buses, truck cranes, concrete mixers and garbage trucks. Also available on the market are simple chassis, which can be completed independently by any additional equipment. What is better - MAZ or KAMAZ, photos of which are available above? As you can see, there is no gain in the assortment and breadth of the model range.

Conclusion

When choosing the best truck you have to deal with a lot of questions related to the selection criteria, the applicability of the car and just personal preferences. Reviews of car owners with experience of driving vehicles of both brands, correspond approximately 50х50. Therefore, the question that has become so fond of us is that it is better - MAZ or KamAZ - to remain open.