Every person at least once in his life is faced with a choice - which car to take: domestic or foreign, used or new... If you choose from affordable options, then the Russian auto industry will come to the rescue, which also gives reasons for thinking about the choice . In addition, favorable prices will be taken into account in the future - regarding maintenance, repair and replacement of parts.
Just recently, the leading manufacturer AVTOVAZ has improved most of its models and also released new ones, which are becoming increasingly popular every day. To help buyers with their choice, I decided to discuss the topic - which is better: Lada Granta or Lada Priora. According to the latest statistics, these are the best-selling cars of this company. These models differ from the well-known Lada Kalina and from each other, so let's look at what exactly.
Exterior - appearance
First, let's look at the external data. Priora has a traditional body shape, similar to the previous version. After restyling in 2014, it acquired improved headlights, bumper and rear dimensions.
Lada Priora Sedan
Granta has now acquired youthful, stylish shapes reminiscent of a foreign car. The running lights, bumpers and headlights have been improved. In this category you can give it preference.
Inside, outside and under the hood
The interior and exterior are the first thing that catches the buyer's eye at a car dealership. This is what is assessed first when choosing models. Comparing the Lada Priora or Lada Granta with foreign cars, you can see that their appearance is much poorer and more modest. What they are now making in Russia has long since ceased to be produced abroad, although this is not surprising; the Soviet automobile industry has always acted more as a catch-up than as an advanced link in the automotive industry. And the Hatchback body is increasingly being replaced by the Liftback option.
The Granta Hatchback looks more solid than its rival Priora. A more modern and beautiful design shows it in a favorable light. The age difference (Granta was released 4 years later) naturally affects the appearance of the car, since there is a more modern approach and outdated body parts have been removed from the design.
However, in terms of interior decoration and convenience, the leadership is maintained by the Priora Hatchback. The interior of the Priora uses higher quality materials and more comfortable (albeit outdated) seats.
Technical characteristics are the main ones for a car enthusiast when choosing a vehicle. Engine power, fuel consumption and many other criteria are taken into account. Priora and Granta are practically equipped with the same power units, and their differences depend more on the configuration than on the model, which cannot be said about the gearbox.
The Granta Hatchback is ahead of the Priora, especially the modifications of the last years of production. This is due to the fact that they began to install improved mechanics on the Grant, which is superior to the outdated gearbox on the Priora. It is distinguished by a more convenient switch, easily amenable to commands, as well as the absence of vibration, which has practically become an indispensable feature of the Soviet automobile industry.
The fuel consumption of both Lada models is the same, and this is due to the similarity of the engines and their characteristics. However, the newer Granta model is better adapted to the roads and improved, so you should not be surprised if it still surpasses its rival in fuel consumption by 1-2 liters.
Automatic transmission is a separate issue. Since the Lada Priora has not yet acquired an automatic transmission, lovers of such a transmission will prefer to choose the Granta. But you shouldn’t hope for a simplified life, since automatic transmission is still an innovation in the Russian automobile industry and therefore you can expect more problems from automatic transmissions than from the old but faithful mechanics.
The suspension condition of the Priora and Granta is equivalent. In modern models it has been improved and is highly reliable. But still, Granta is a more modern model and its suspension will be newer and more advanced. This plays a significant role when repairing a car or tuning it. It is easier to find and replace a modern part than to choose an alternative to an outdated model.
Interior - interior overview
If we take the Priora as an example, its interior has changed for the better. Modern soft-look materials were used in the interior.
Lada Priora Lux Salon
While in Granta the plastic dashboard looks cheap. But it has a more spacious interior.
What to choose?
Priora or Granta is a symbolic choice rather than a technical one. Almost identical cars with minor differences, created at the same enterprise. It is captivating that the Lada Granta is 4 years younger than the Priora, but an older, more experienced and already proven car can still give a head start to the younger generation.
The fewer parts in the Grant may have contributed to its cheapness. This simplifies the design of the car, reduces weight and improves driving performance. Granta, as mentioned above, is a relatively new model on the automotive market, and no one yet fully knows how it can behave. This uncertainty and lack of knowledge frightens buyers. Adding fuel to the fire is the price, which is perceived as “cheaper means worse.”
Significant factors when choosing a car between the Lada Granta Hatchback and the Lada Priora Hatchback will be the operating conditions and the purposes for which the car is purchased. For example, girls and women prefer to choose a car with an automatic transmission and a more modern look. For summer residents, it is recommended to purchase a Lada Granta because of the spacious trunk. Priora is suitable for young people, lends itself well to luxurious tuning and, like a transforming robot, can be converted into a car with an individual character.
Significant information for choosing a car will also be the fact that for Priora it is currently much easier to get inexpensive used spare parts. But for Grants you will have to look for either new ones or analogs from foreign cars that have already been used, since the dismantling of these cars is just beginning to take off.
As for the used Lada Granta and Lada Priora, here all the characteristics indicated above lose their validity, and comparisons have to be made solely on the basis of performance characteristics. Because it doesn’t matter which engine is better if one of them has already been rebuilt three times, and it doesn’t even matter which gearbox, automatic or manual, if the first one becomes faulty immediately after signing the sales contract. Every car enthusiast makes a choice for himself, and therefore it is primarily up to him to decide what to drive.
Price and quality
In this comparison, which is better than a Priora or a Granta liftback, the second option wins, since today the new Priora without additions costs the same as a Granta in a luxury package. This price difference was achieved thanks to a new design that uses fewer small parts. This is what contributed to the noise reduction.
Priora has two trim levels for all models: Norma and Lux. Granta also has a third one - Standard, which is the cheapest. At the same time, the inexpensive configurations of the first model are better equipped than those of the second. But their cost is much higher. But there are practically no differences between expensive trim levels. They include:
- front airbags;
- electric power steering;
- multimedia system with on-board computer;
- heated seats, etc.
Transmission and chassis
Another unconditional victory for Grant, since the opponent only has a five-speed manual transmission. In principle, such a gearbox does not have any particular disadvantages.
True, vibrations are felt when changing positions - one of the main troubles of VAZ gearboxes. In addition, sometimes speed fluctuations also occur.
At the same time, the Grant can have two automatic transmissions at once:
- classic automatic from the JATCO brand at 4 speed;
- five-speed robot AMT 2182 from domestic manufacturers.
Yes, such a transmission requires increased fuel consumption, and in addition, the dynamics of the automatic transmission suffer. At the same time, the models are quite good; they fully correspond to similar units in imported cars for the same price.
But the chassis of the cars is the same, so it’s impossible to determine the leader in the Grant vs Priora competition. A standard semi-independent circuit is used. A torsion beam is installed on the rear axle, and MacPherson struts can be seen at the front.
Discs are installed as the front brake mechanism, drums are used as the rear brake mechanism. Naturally, the suspension is not suitable for aggressive driving, but it copes well with country roads.
Specifications
This criterion is of most concern to domestic car enthusiasts, so we will analyze in detail all the available parameters.
Headlights
If you choose from cars which is better - Grant or Priora regarding the light, then opinions are divided here. Granta wins in the low beam category, while Priora has good high beam. It also has an advantage in the design of the headlight - lamps for different lights are installed separately, so this makes replacement easier and cheaper in the future. The full specification looks like this.
Priora:
- DRL/GO P21/5W 12V/21W/5W.
- Low and high beam H4 12V/60W/55W.
- Turn signal lamp PY21W 12V/21W.
Lada Granta:
- Low beam (H7).
- Far (H1).
- Turn signal lamp PY21W 12V/21W.
Clearance
For both brands of cars, regardless of the body - liftback, sedan, sport or hatchback - the ground clearance is the same - 16 cm.
Trunk
What makes the Grant better than the Priora is the trunk volume.
In the first case, it is equal to 520 liters, in the second – 430. But if you fold the rear sofa, this figure increases to 700.
Suspension
If you are wondering what is better to buy - Priora or Grant, then opinions are also divided on this characteristic. The first model is bought due to its good handling. Due to the increased travel of the steering rack, it becomes more “obedient”. In the sports version, the suspension has been significantly improved. The second option is taken by those who value comfort. The Granta has fewer revolutions from lock to lock, compared to the Priora - 3.1 versus 4.1. It is also more rolly in corners and is perfect for older drivers. Accelerating over 120 km/h, it will not feel very good. Although this is the latest, therefore more modern development of the creators.
Engines
If we compare which is better - Grant or Priora regarding engines, then in reality they are almost the same. But my personal opinion is that the 16-valve Granta is faster than its opponent (especially in the “sport” version - this was also proven in test drives).
There are only two positions in the Priora model range - 98 and 106 hp, while Grant has added two more - 82 and 87. In addition, they are equipped with a noise insulation system.
The fuel consumption declared by the factory also does not differ much - about 9-10 liters in the city, and six on the highway.
Transmission
When choosing between two - Grant or Prior - which is better, regarding this characteristic, the first option wins. I declare with confidence that the new cable gearbox beats the old Priora one.
This is a modernized version of the gearbox from the VAZ-2108, which, although noisy, still provides clear operation of the scenes. Gears can be engaged literally with your little finger. The Priora has a manual transmission, while the Granta has a choice of manual, robotic and automatic.
Controllability, safety and comfort
On the one hand, in terms of comfort and controllability, VAZ models are usually inferior to modern foreign cars, but in fact, the relatively low-set Priora holds the road quite well, has a “light” steering wheel with electric steering and a quite comfortable suspension. In turn, the Lada Granta is more rolling and can “scour” along the road at high speeds. As for the suspension, it is also soft and quite comfortable.
In terms of safety, both models have a driver airbag, as well as ABS, EBD and BAS systems in minimum configurations. More expensive versions also include air conditioning, a passenger airbag, an on-board computer, parking sensors and other useful solutions and options.
By the way, when studying the configurations and prices, one can be surprised to notice that in some versions the “older” Priora with a worse level of equipment can be very close in price to the newer and better equipped Granta.
One way or another, it is quite difficult to say unequivocally which is better, Grant or Priora, only in terms of equipment level and price. First, you need to separately compare the current prices of two models with absolutely identical equipment. Secondly, “top” configurations are available for both models, where all available options will be present.
LADAvodov's opinion
It was also interesting to read the personal experiences and reviews of car owners in different body styles – hatchback, liftback, sedan or sport – regarding which car is better: Priora or Grant. Here opinions are divided. Many people who buy Grant claim that it is of better quality. With it, you need to go to the service much less often for relatively minor breakdowns (according to some users). The good news is that the car arrived for maintenance, and was not brought in. Most often, malfunctions of small units occur: stove, generator, window regulator, etc. The Granta's price is lower, and many are satisfied with the exterior. The only thing is that the brakes are squealing. Even in the service department this is already considered normal, since this is observed in almost every model.
Regarding which is better - Prior or Grant, reviews were different. Many people respond well to the fact that the Granta has more space in the cabin, especially for legs. It is roomy, comfortable to sit in and has a large trunk. This is especially true for those who need it for work, and in everyday life too. The Granta has a rich set of equipment, plus a new platform. There are large doors, like in the Kalina station wagon or hatchback (video is presented below).
Others like the Priora more – its configuration and engine power. Its fans tend to believe that Granta has more visits to the service. But many consider the price of the Priora to be too high according to expectations. Although it is simply dictated by modern realities. Foreign cars have also risen, like everything else in this world. The restyled versions have already acquired all the necessary elements - a short steering rack, a cable link and other things that are so praised in Grant.
Lada Priora Sedan
Also, many people prefer the appearance of the Priora, while in the second Lada they do not like the shape of the stern, especially in liftback, hatchback and sedan bodies. Priora looks more modern, so it can be called a youth version. Convenient for both driver and passengers.
Engine performance and fuel consumption
The pre-styling Priora works with eight-valve engines:
Engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 81 hp. Maximum speed – 172 km/h. It accelerates to hundreds in 13.5 seconds. Fuel consumption in the city per 100 km – 9.8 l; Engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 87 hp. Maximum speed – 176 km/h. Up to a hundred – 12.6 s. Consumption in the city – 8.6 liters per 100 km; Engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 98 hp. Maximum speed – 183 km/h. It will accelerate to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds. Consumption in the city is 9.8 liters per 100 km.
The restyled Priora works with “old” and new sixteen-valve engines:
“Engine” with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 106 hp. Maximum speed – 183 km/h. It accelerates to “hundreds” in 11.5 seconds. In city mode, it consumes 8.9 liters per 100. The “engine” is 1.6 liters and produces 98 hp. Maximum speed – 183 km/h. Accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds. In the city - 9.1 liters per 100. “Engine” with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 123 hp. Maximum – 190 km/h. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 10 seconds. Consumption is 7.2 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. This is a sports version - Lada Priora Sport.
The pre-restyling Grant is equipped with:
Engine 21116/11186 only with manual transmission: 8 valves, 87 hp. With. (Maximum speed – 166 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h – 12.4 seconds, urban consumption – 9 liters per 100), Engine 21126 only with automatic transmission: 16 valves, 98 hp (Maximum speed – 167 km/ h, acceleration to 100 km/h – 13.7 seconds, urban consumption – 10.1 l/100 km), Engine 21127: 16 valves, 106 l. power, with a dynamic supercharging system with mechanics: Maximum speed - 179 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h - 10.9 seconds, city consumption - 8.6 l/100 km;
with a “robot”: Maximum speed – 179 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h – 12.3 seconds, city consumption – 9 l/100 km.
The restyled Grant is equipped with:
Engine (works with manual transmission) with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 87 hp. Maximum speed – 171 km/h, acceleration – 11.8 seconds to “hundreds”, city consumption 9.1 liters per 100 km;
Engine (works with automatic transmission) with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 98 hp. Maximum speed – 174 km/h, acceleration – 13.3 seconds to “hundreds”, city consumption 9.9 liters per 100 km; Engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 106 hp. Max. speed – 183 km/h with manual transmission: acceleration to “hundreds” – 10.6 seconds, city consumption – 8.7 l/100 km;
with the “robot”: acceleration to 100 “hundreds” – 12.1 seconds, consumption in the city – 8.7 l/100 km.
My opinion
I myself was the owner of a Priora for two years. In two years, I drove more than 30,000 km on the new car. During this period, there were a lot of minor breakdowns, but during all the time she never got stuck on the road. The battery died once, due to my fault - I didn’t turn off the ceiling light.
Based on experience, I can answer the question which car is better - Lada Granta or Priora. When purchasing, I leaned toward the second option due to the higher cost. Plus, it is positioned as the flagship of the domestic automotive industry. There is not much space in it, but it can safely be called B-class.
Initially, the creation of the Priora was aimed at improving the version of the 10th family. And Granta is a cheaper version of Kalina, which replaced the Zhiguli. This is a simple budget car, improved for modern roads.
From all of the above, we can conclude that a car produced by VAZ is like a lottery. Each model may have a successful or problematic option. Priora is a model that has been proven for decades, and Granta is a more modern car, assembled using new technologies. And, judging seriously by the technical characteristics, then in terms of the latest versions, Grant is superior to Priora in many criteria, including cost, which today is one of the main selection criteria for some.
So which car is better?
The differences between the cars are insignificant and the Grant's winnings are more likely related to the year of its release
Of course, each person chooses a car according to his taste and pocket. But taking into account all the characteristics described above, the Grant wins several points over the Priora, if only because the former is more modern than its competitor. Even the fact that Priora was updated in 2014 does not really save it. By the way, there is information that 2015 is the last year that the Priora will be released; it should be replaced by a completely new model.
In addition to appearance and technical characteristics, Granta is cheaper than its competitor. This is also due to the fact that fewer parts are used during its assembly.
But Priora also has undoubted advantages. This machine showed excellent performance in operation. The problems and “sores” of the model have long been known; there is no need to expect any surprises when purchasing it. Granta, although not as “raw” as a couple of years ago, can still unpleasantly surprise its owner.
Therefore, it is the buyer’s prerogative to decide which is better - Grant or Priora. Weigh all the pros and cons of each model, sit in them, evaluate the trunk volume, interior, and technical characteristics. If you listen to the opinions of experts, there is no significant difference between the two vehicles. When choosing, rely on the available funds and your own preferences. Good luck with your choice!
