BA-64s remained unique in that they were the only new Soviet armoured car design to be produced during World War II.[2] They had better armour, speed, range, and off-road capability than any other wheeled fighting vehicles in Soviet service, although due to the limitations of the chassis they could only carry a single light machine gun.[2] Unlike the BA-3/6 and BA-20 heavy armoured cars, which were armed with anti-tank cannon, the BA-64 was not considered suitable for front-line combat against German armour.[2] It was, however, widely used for transporting officers, liaison purposes, reconnaissance, and other secondary battlefield tasks.[2]