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.
Appearance Features
Appearance is a purely subjective matter. At the same time, it cannot be said that there is no winner in the Prior-Grant confrontation in this nomination. According to reviews from car enthusiasts, the second car is rated much higher (especially when talking about young people).
Granta looks much more dynamic, more youthful and aggressive. In Priora, the features of the dozen are clearly visible.
Even the redesign didn't help get rid of the outdated appearance. Well, for some, such an exterior is already a classic, so this vehicle will also have its fans.
You may also be interested in: Rating of the smallest cars: iron ponies of modest size
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.
Body range and dimensions
And in this regard, Granta is a clear favorite, because it can be chosen both as a sedan and as a liftback, while the Priora buyer will have to be content with a non-alternative 5-door sedan.
If we compare the parameters of competitors, it is noticeable that Priora is superior to its counterpart in length, but Granta wins back in width and height. The Priora has a longer wheelbase, however, the front and rear tracks are narrower, and the trunk is noticeably smaller. A clear comparison of the parameters is presented in the table:
| Dimensions/Model | Lada Priora (sedan) | LADA Granta (sedan) |
| Length | 4 350 mm | 4 260 mm |
| Height | 1 420 mm | 1 500 mm |
| Width | 1,680 mm | 1,700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,492 mm | 2,476 mm |
| Front wheel track | 1 410 mm | 1 430 mm |
| Rear wheel track | 1 380 mm | 1,414 mm |
| Clearance | 165 mm | 160 (145) mm |
| Trunk volume | 430 l | 520 l |
Separately, it is worth mentioning the ground clearance. At first glance, the cars are almost equal, because the difference is only 5 mm in favor of the Priora. However, this is only true when comparing both manual and robotic rivals. If the Granta is equipped with a classic automatic transmission, then it sags noticeably, since its ground clearance is reduced to only 145 mm. In light of this, we can admit that in terms of dimensions there is a fighting draw.
Exterior
Everything here is subjective. It is noticeable that Priora was created back in the first decade of the 21st century, when the Mitsubishi Lancer IX, KIA Ceed and others were taken as examples. This left its mark.
The Priora has convex headlight optics, a massive sloping hood and a simple bumper. In addition, the front end is decorated with tiny round foglights and a trapezoidal radiator grille with chrome trim.
In profile, large doors and long body overhangs are immediately noticeable, and the glass area is impressive. In addition, the entire sidewall is crossed by a long stamping line. But there are no plastic moldings. The rear is not bad - a smooth bumper, high feet, a massive trunk lid with a shiny lining. Not too bland, but nothing flashy either.
Lada Granta is made in a more modern style, but its appearance is frankly boring. It is noticeable that the designers set out to create a kind of “universal” model. From the front it stands out with large headlights, a radiator grille and an air intake, which, in fact, occupy the entire front. And the composition is completed by a large hood and round fog lights.
On the side there are similar body overhangs, as well as plastic trim on the doors, painted black. And the side windows are no smaller than those of the Priora. From behind, a huge trunk lid with a pair of “claw-shaped” stampings catches your eye. And the fact that the license plate is installed in the rear bumper only enhances the impression.
Video: 2014 Lada Priora Lux. Review (interior, exterior, engine).
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.
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.
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.
Strength aspect and aesthetic component
Recently, the AvtoVAZ engine line has been significantly updated. It's hard to say that the company has a lot of variety in equipping different models. It can be noted that to equip the Grant model, a line of 1.6 liter gasoline engines is used, which have 2 and 4 valves per cylinder, and the power varies from 81 to 120 hp. With. The hatchback is deprived of the most powerful version of the engine. To work in tandem with the engine, not only a manual transmission is offered, but also an automatic transmission.
The car's acceleration dynamics range from 9.5 seconds per “hundred” to 13.5 seconds for an engine with a power of 81 hp. With. Unlike the Granta, the heavier Priora recently received another engine. A more powerful 1.8 liter unit is capable of accelerating a 5-door hatchback or station wagon to 100 km/h in 10 seconds. At the same time, the engine has a fairly respectable torque rating of 165 Nm, which allows the 123-horsepower engine of a loaded car not to lose its agility. It was precisely the small reserve of traction that the car sometimes lacked on a long climb or when overtaking.
We can agree that a car is chosen based on a holistic perception. And here you can rely both on your own feeling and on numerous reviews of automotive experts.
The Lada Granta Sedan still looks a little rough. For the most part, this applies to the stern, where the trunk looks somewhat foreign. But Granta Liftback is a real beauty. Taking into account the modern interior design, as well as the choice of a wide range of equipment, the car can easily compete with any foreign car.
As for the interior, after the modernization, the older model has no big differences in the functionality and ergonomics of the driver’s seat, in the quality of finishing materials, and in ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers. Therefore, it is impossible to say unequivocally which is better: Priora or Lada Granta. If the interior of a younger model still looks a little more modern, then an older one can offer better sound insulation.
At the same time, the Priora station wagon and hatchback can be classified as those cars whose appearance is always relevant. The concept of “beautiful station wagon” does not exist in such a categorical form as for other modifications. Therefore, you can safely choose a car for its practicality. And the three-door hatchback can be taken as a cute first car or a second car for the family.
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.
