Despite the fact that many people prefer to purchase foreign-made cars, currently the domestic automobile industry has begun to produce quite successful car models. If you want to get an answer to the question of which is better, Lada Granta or Lada Vesta, you will need to study in sufficient detail each component of these two Russian cars. People buy these two options, first of all, for the reason that their cost is not as high as that of their foreign counterparts, and the build quality and technical characteristics are much better than the company’s previous cars. These cars have almost the same number of trim levels. However, in order to understand which car is better, you need to make a detailed comparison.
Vesta
Despite the fact that Vesta is gaining fairly confident sales momentum not only in the domestic but also foreign markets, Granta is also not going to give up its positions. Granta continues to be popular for the reason that its cost is much less than that of its competitor. And from a visual point of view, the car looks pretty good, especially considering the recent modifications. Overall, both cars deserve the attention of potential buyers.
Now we need to make a detailed comparison of these cars. From a visual point of view, as well as in terms of technical characteristics, these are completely different cars, the more interesting it will be to find out which of them looks the most attractive.
Car Exterior Design
Every person who has seen Vesta at least once understands that this is a car of quite status. This car is capable of competing with such recognized world leaders as Solaris and Skoda Rapid. As for Granta, she cannot even come close to these possibilities. Despite this, the car looks quite modern, stylish and has a huge number of fans not only among domestic users, but also in the CIS countries. At the same time, thanks to his capabilities, Grant still wins back several points from Vesta. Many will now say that it is best to choose an option that can compete with recognized world car models. However, you should not make premature conclusions; you need to study everything carefully.
- These two cars are in the budget segment. As for the appearance of the Lada Vesta, it looks much more attractive and sporty. As for the competitor, it has a recognizable appearance that is difficult to confuse with something else. The brevity of the Grants is the main advantage, which is appreciated by domestic buyers.
- As for Vesta, it has very attractive chrome inserts. In this case, Granta loses one hundred percent, because he has a very simple style that is not able to surprise clients. In this case, many will say that Vesta is better here too!
- Among other things, Vesta is able to add a few more points to her piggy bank, thanks to the presence of: a high-quality galvanized body, which can significantly protect the car.
It is important to know! The main advantage of Grant's car is the fact that it is possible to choose two different modifications. The first option is a sedan car, and the second is a liftback. In order for Vesta to be able to compete with its opponent in this regard, a station wagon is already being produced.
Specifications
The length/width/height/wheelbase of the Lada Vesta 2021 is 4410/1764/1497/2635 mm, and the Lada Granta 2021 is 4268/1700/1500/2476 mm. The ground clearance is the same - 180 mm. The volume of the fuel tank is 5 liters larger in Vesta - 55 versus 50 liters, for which 92nd gasoline is indicated as recommended, and not 95th, like its opponent. But the luggage compartment of the Grant is more spacious - 520 versus 480 liters. The curb weight is expected to be higher for a larger sedan - 1230-1380 kg versus 1075-1160 kg.
Rivals share one 1.6-liter 16-valve petrol engine with 106 horsepower and 148 Newton-meters of torque. Lada Vesta 2021 can also be equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine (122 hp, 170 Nm), and Granta 2021 - with a 1.6-liter 8-valve (87 hp, 140 Nm) and 16- valve (98 hp, 145 Nm). The line of transmissions is represented by two identical 5-speed manual and robotic gearboxes. But Granta also offers a 4-speed automatic transmission.
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Now let’s compare the dynamic characteristics and fuel efficiency of our opponents. Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (gasoline consumption in city/highway/mixed modes) for Lada Vesta 2021 vs Lada Granta 2021 is:
- 1.6 (106 hp) 5MT - 11.2 s (9.3/5.5/6.9 l) vs 10.5 s (8.7/5.2/6.5 l);
- 1.6 (106 hp) 5AMT - 14.1 s (9.0/5.3/6.6 l) vs 12.0 s (8.7/5.2/6.5 l).
We will separately indicate the data for the remaining modifications:
- Vesta 1.6 (122 hp) 5MT - 10.2 s (9.5/6.2/7.4 l);
- Vesta 1.6 (122 hp) 5AMT - 12.1 s (9.3/6.0/7.2 l);
- Granta 1.6 (87 hp) 5MT - 11.6 s (9.1/5.3/6.8 l);
- Granta 1.6 (98 hp) 4AT - 13.1 s (9.9/6.1/7.2 l).
As we can see, in versions of the Grant models comparable in engine power and gearbox type, we have an advantage in both dynamics and fuel efficiency.
Car appearance
When Grant's car was released, many considered this to be a turning point, because after Samara, this car became more streamlined and much more stylish on the outside. However, Vesta has made an incredible leap forward and, compared to the simple Granta, she looks simply amazing.
The Granta was originally created as a modest and budget version of the car, which is why quite large headlights appeared here, as well as a massive radiator grille, under which an equally massive air intake is used, which is located along the entire length of the bottom of the car bumper. Quite massive round fog lights emphasize the car's style. In this case, chrome is not used almost anywhere - the only place where it is present is the strip on the radiator grille.
Once the car is fully examined from the side, one can highlight the rather large doors, as well as the incredibly long rear. It is clear that all this was done with only one single purpose, to maximize the luggage compartment space. Despite this, for many people, this exterior option looks very ridiculous.
Looking at the back of the car, the feeling of absurdity only increases. There's a simple, huge trunk lid that literally hangs over the main part of the car. The license plates are mounted on the bumper, which also doesn’t look quite right. As a result, the license plate is constantly covered in dirt in the spring and autumn.
As for the Lada Vesta, it looks much more interesting. In this case, the aggressive features of the car look very dignified and do not evoke any negative emotions. The front of the car stands out with chrome trim. The radiator grille and air intake are connected into a single whole, and it looks quite interesting. All this looks much more profitable than the Grant option.
The side of the car looks even more stylish and high quality. In this case, there are no huge doors, large rear wings, or simple wheels. Instead of all this, there are interesting and unusual lines in the form of the Latin letter X, which are located on both sides of the car. The wedge-shaped profile also looks unusual, especially considering the fact that this is a domestic car.
The back of Vesta also looks much more attractive. Everything here is done very correctly and original, from the large bumper to the more expressive taillights.
Transmission comparison
The new product from VAZ has two five-speed gearboxes. One of them is a product of the domestic industry, the other is being developed by Renault engineers. Granta can boast of only one type of transmission. Owners and professionals note clearer and more balanced operation of the boxes on the Lada Vesta.
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The robotic machine is also mounted on both models. These transmissions are developed on the basis of a manual transmission with the addition of actuators and a control unit.
Car chassis
From the point of view of design features, everything is almost the same here. As for the multi-link suspension option, neither of the two car models can boast of this achievement. Despite these similar indicators, driving the Lada Grant will be a little softer and easier - the car is much less susceptible to stalling on sharp turns.
Car interior
According to this indicator, Vesta is simply beyond competition. In Vesta, everything is done according to the latest technical features. The dashboard looks quite stylish and high-quality, although, alas, there are no special frills in the form of a large screen and high-quality climate control. In general, everything is done quite standardly, but for domestic cars this is considered a real breakthrough.
Granta looks completely absurd by this indicator. Here is the simplest dashboard, the dashboard looks very vague, the seats are amorphous, and the back row is generally very narrow.
Ultimately, both of these cars deserve attention, although if you need a more stylish and modern car, then you should buy Vesta.
Salon and trunk
Vesta has a more modern interior design and better quality finishing materials. But it’s one thing to evaluate the interior in absentia and quite another to be inside the car. In the latter case, we do not undertake to guarantee unambiguous assessments, as in the case of the exterior. Some people like the sophistication of the Vesta panel, others like the presence of cruise and climate control in the liftback. There are those who experience irritation, trying to connect their gadget to the Granta USB connector, securely hidden in the depths of the glove box, but there are also those who find it difficult to get used to the wayward handle for adjusting the backrest tilt, which tends to slam the rider’s face into the dashboard or, conversely, put it in the back seat.
Salon Lada Granta
Like any modern foreign car, Vesta's multimedia system control buttons are located on the steering wheel. Conservatives won't like it, but you get used to good things quickly. The Granta has other advantages and benefits - for example, a shelf for small items located on the right above the glove compartment. But even in the maximum configuration there is still a feeling that the designers saved on literally everything. This is manifested in the outdated design of the “tidy”, and in the archaic steering wheel, and in hard plastic.
There's plenty of room in the back, but tall passengers will have to be careful. Leaning back, they will certainly encounter reality, that is, the ceiling. Vesta has an advantage in the legs, but Granta has more space for feet and knees in the liftback body.
It’s really not easy to determine which is better, the interior of the Vesta or the Granta, so let’s move on to the trunk. The favorite has one drawback - the trunk responds to pressing a button on the key fob with a noticeable delay, which can irritate temperamental car owners. But the luggage compartment itself is wider and more spacious than that of the Grant liftback (480 liters versus 440), but the situation changes dramatically when it comes to a sedan: 520 liters is one of the best indicators in this class. Let’s add that here the interior space is organized more thoughtfully; the Granta has too high sides, which makes stowing luggage more difficult, and the lid’s strongly protruding hinges get in the way. The folded back of the rear sofa does not form a flat surface.
So we give Grant a slight advantage in terms of trunk space.
Dynamics, fuel consumption
The Granta is a little heavier than its competitor, but in general the acceleration characteristics of its engines are slightly higher, which cannot be said about the speed ceiling.
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Lada Vesta sedan
But let's look at the differences in the dynamics and efficiency of Grant and Vesta in specific figures.
With the weakest 87-horsepower power unit, the Granta accelerates to 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds with a manual transmission. A car with a 98-horsepower engine and automatic transmission accelerates in 13.3 seconds. Moreover, the maximum speed in the first case is 167 km/h, in the second – 175 km/h, and consumption – 9.0/5.8/7.0 and 9.9/6.1/7.6 liters per 100 kilometers respectively.
The option with a 106-liter base engine has different performance for robotic and manual transmissions:
- acceleration: 12.3 and 10.9 seconds;
- max speed: 180 and 183 km/h;
- consumption: 9.0/5.2/6.6 and 8.6/5.6/6.7 liters per 100 kilometers, respectively.
Compared to Granta, Vesta has the following indicators:
| Manual transmission / 106 hp | AMT/106 | Manual transmission / 122 | AMT/122 | |
| Acceleration, sec. | 11,2 | 14,1 | 12,1 | 11,2 |
| Max speed, km/h | 175 | 178 | 186 | 180 |
| Consumption (city/highway/average) l. per 100 km. | 9,3 / 5,3/ 6,8 | 9,0 / 5,3 / 6,1 | 9,3 / 6,0 / 7,2 | 10,7 / 6,4 / 7,9 |
Controllability and safety
The vehicle's agility and maneuverability are tested on high-speed zigzag sections of roads. Here Vesta’s advantage is obvious - it holds the road more confidently and reacts adequately to steering turns. But the ABS system is too sensitive; at the slightest suspicion of slipping of the front wheels, it immediately slows down to reduce speed. This moment can irritate beginners, but once they get used to it, they confidently predict this moment and reduce the force transmitted to the accelerator pedal in advance.
On the Lada Granta, ABS does not work so quickly, so here the enthusiastic driver has many opportunities for various strength exercises. As for handling on a flat road, Vesta’s behavior can be called ideal, while a competitor on a bumpy road can jump off the trajectory, requiring an adequate response from the driver.
Lada Granta
But in terms of safety level, it’s not worth comparing the Lada Granta and Vesta - the latter already contains an impressive list of options in the database, at least twice as large as those of its rival.
Main differences between bodies
It is imperative to compare body types as well. As it becomes clear, Vesta is ahead of its direct competitor on almost all points; the only place where Grant can give a fight is in the luggage compartment, as well as the height of the car.
As for the main features of Granta in comparison with its direct competitor, everything looks exactly like this.
- The weight of the car in normal condition, as well as with a full load. Grants have 1 ton 75 kilograms and 1 ton 560 kilograms, respectively. Vesta has 1 ton 230 kilograms and 1 ton 670 kilograms.
- Vehicle height. Granta - 1 meter 50 centimeters, Vesta - 1 meter 49.7 centimeters.
- Length of cars. Granta - 4 meters 26 centimeters, Vesta - 4 meters 41 centimeters.
- Ground clearance. Granta - 160 centimeters, Vesta - 17.8 centimeters.
- Luggage compartment. Granta - 480 liters, Vesta - 440 liters.
LADA VESTA / LADA GRANTA LIFTBACK
Specifications
| COMMON DATA | LADA VESTA 1.6 MT | LADA GRANTA LIFTBACK 5AMT |
| Dimensions, mm: length / width / height / base | 4410 / 1764 / 1497 / 2635 | 4246 / 1700 / 1500 / 2476 |
| front/rear track | 1510 / 1510 | 1430 / 1414 |
| ground clearance, mm | 178 | 185 |
| Trunk volume, l | 480 | 440 / 760 |
| Curb / gross weight, kg | 1230 / 1670 | 1160 / 1560 |
| Acceleration time 0 - 100 km/h, s | 11,2 | 12,3 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 175 | 179 |
| Fuel / fuel reserve, l | A92/55 | A95/50 |
| Fuel consumption: urban/suburban/combined cycle, l/100 km | 9,3 / 5,5 / 6,9 | 9,0 / 5,2 / 6,6 |
| ENGINE | ||
| Location | Front transverse | Front transverse |
| Configuration / number of valves | P4/16 | P4/16 |
| Working volume, cubic meters cm | 1596 | 1596 |
| Compression ratio | 10,0 | 10,0 |
| Power, kW/hp | 78 / 106 at 5800 rpm. | 78 / 106 at 5800 rpm. |
| Torque, Nm | 148 at 4200 rpm. | 148 at 4200 rpm. |
| TRANSMISSION | ||
| Type | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | M5 | P5 |
| main gear | 3,9 | 3,7 |
| CHASSIS | ||
| Suspension: front/rear | McPherson / elastic beam | McPherson / elastic beam |
| Steering | rack and pinion with electric booster | rack and pinion with electric booster |
| Brakes: front / rear | ventilated disc / drum | ventilated disc / drum |
| Tire size | 185/65R15 or 195/55 R16 | 185/55R15 |
Exterior Grants
Many people wonder what looks more interesting from a visual point of view, Grant or West. Due to the fact that the Granta in a liftback body is considered a fairly cheap option, the front part has features corresponding to the price category. There are very large optics and an equally massive radiator grille installed here. Immediately below these elements there is a huge air intake, which is located on most of the lower bumper. All this is accompanied by rounded anti-fog elements. This car model has no chrome parts at all on the outside, as well as in the interior of the car.
A distinctive feature of the liftback version is the presence of fairly large doors that can attract attention from potential customers. Among other things, there is a fairly large feed here, which looks quite decent. As for the body, it is made quite unusually and has some disproportion, which was actually done on purpose in order to obtain a more voluminous luggage compartment. All these nuances must be taken into account before making the final choice.
The main nuances of Vesta’s appearance
As for the appearance of the Lada Vesta, it has much more positive aspects. In general, the car looks much more harmonious than the Lada Granta. As for the front of the car, there is an interesting chrome element. The grille, as well as the more attractive headlights with air intake, create a more interesting appearance.
An interesting feature is the presence of elements in the form of the Latin letter X on the sides of the car. This nuance gives even more attractiveness and elegance to the car.
Current generation of Vesta
Comparison of technical parameters of Vesta and Granta
- As for the engines, in both cases there are options capable of producing 106 horsepower. Granta has an 8-valve option, and Vesta has a 16-valve option.
- As for accelerating cars to 100 kilometers per hour, these two cars have completely different performance. Vesta is able to achieve this figure in 11 seconds, and Granta in only 12.2 seconds.
- Also completely different indicators of the maximum permissible speed. The liftback Granta is capable of reaching a maximum speed of up to 165 kilometers per hour. Vesta accelerates to 185 kilometers per hour.
Speed and technique
You shouldn’t even think about winning without good dynamics - after all, to score, you need to be in the right place at the right time. On paper, the Lada Vesta has an advantage - 11.2 seconds to “hundreds” versus 12.3 for the Lada Granta Liftback. Our test confirmed the factory data - when starting from a standstill, Vesta, despite being 100 kg heavier, rapidly rushes forward. Is the sluggish robot Grants to blame? Not only that, Vesta has a shorter main pair, with a gear ratio of 3.9 versus 3.7 for the Granta Liftback, both with manual and robotic transmission, which gives it an advantage during acceleration. At the same time, it loses a little in maximum speed (175 km/h versus 179), but for us sprinting qualities are more important - and Lada Vesta scores the first goal in this match.
Traffic light race for Lada Vesta - 1:0
Participants take a break from traffic light races. Mechanical and robotic transmissions tend to overheat during intense acceleration.
Excellent transmission
As for the Vesta car, it is possible to use two versions of a five-speed manual transmission at once. The first option was created by the minds of the manufacturers themselves, and the second option was developed by Renault.
Granta has only one manual transmission option, for the liftback version. Car owners claim that on Vesta, gears shift much smoother and more clearly.
Automatic transmissions are also available. Vesta has the opportunity to use a five-speed version, and Granta has a four-speed version.
Photos of the Lada Vesta interior
Let's sum it up
If we talk about the cost of cars, then a Grant with a 106 horsepower engine will cost from 420 to 440 thousand rubles. The cost of Vesta cars, and in absolutely any configuration, will cost significantly more. The choice in this case depends on how much money a person is willing to spend on purchasing a car.
As for dynamic capabilities, the Granta in its maximum configuration looks quite decent. However, its appearance and interior quality are much worse.
Which of these options to choose is up to the buyer to decide. Both of these cars show good capabilities. However, you should understand that these are completely different cars in terms of comfort and pricing.
A car for a beginner: what does the instructor advise? Trying on LADA VESTA and the new LADA GRANTA
LADA VESTA has been on the market for almost three years, a lot of modifications have appeared, but the “classic” sedan is the most popular. It is bought by both singles and families, taxi drivers and retirees, students and white-collar office workers on the second line, experienced drivers and beginners. The new LADA GRANTA was presented to the public quite recently, at the Moscow International Salon 2018. We go to the official LADA dealer in Perm, FORVARD-AUTO, to consider both car options for a beginner.
According to consultants of the official LADA dealer FORVARD-AUTO, novice drivers often come to the LADA car dealership on the street. Reshetnikova, 5 choose your first car.
We also believe that LADA VESTA and LADA GRANTA are one of the best options for a novice driver, and we will even explain why. A special guest to help us is Svetlana Novikova , driving instructor.
| “Instructor Sveta” - her class schedule is filled to capacity with cadets, and her phone number is passed on by word of mouth. He teaches from scratch in one of the Perm driving schools, talks about the principles of safe and conscious driving in the “I am a pilot” project, and achieves a high percentage of passing the license exam from his students. “This is about the site,” Svetlana clarifies. “There would be a high percentage of passing the city, but there are factors beyond the control of the instructor.” |
Our guest is familiar with LADA VESTA and LADA GRANTA cars firsthand. Her training car is a LADA GRANTA, retrofitted for training future drivers at FORVARD-AUTO, and she drove a VESTA, in the version of a classic sedan, for two years.
— I switched to LADA VESTA from a larger car, the Chevrolet Orlando family van. I was delighted with VESTA - from its appearance and equipment. The decision to include ESP, the exchange rate stability system, in the basic equipment of a Russian car - yes, this is the most important decision of AVTOVAZ in recent years! When people ask me which car to choose as their first, I always advocate for a new and modern car.
The new LADA GRANTA is also worthy of becoming the first car. In the photo from the FORWARD-AUTO showroom you see a sedan and a hatchback, but there is also a liftback and a station wagon.
LADA introduced the new LADA Granta family, the model range of which consists of five cars: - sedan - a real functional car with a classic body type - hatchback - compact and maneuverable, cocky and carefree - liftback - the ideal combination of dynamic design and spaciousness - station wagon - roomy and practical
— Cross station wagon — ready for travel and any type of road
From a safety point of view, LADA GRANTA meets all vehicle safety requirements in Russia, and in a number of parameters they are stricter than European ones. If the driver is a novice, but careful, attentive, follows the rules of the road, and does not take unnecessary risks, everything will be fine. Airbags in the LADA GRANTA are present even in the basic version, and in higher trim levels there is also a stability control system and other assistants.
Why a new car from a dealer?
The first car must be an assistant. A person at the start of his driving career does not feel entirely confident behind the wheel, and a car should help him gain this confidence. LADA VESTA and LADA GRANTA have a number of options that really support the driver in difficult road situations and protect him from mistakes. We are talking about active safety systems and parking assistants.
“Of course, the choice of the first car seriously depends on the capabilities of the buyer. The minimum here is 300–350 thousand rubles. It’s better if it’s 400–450 thousand rubles, and it’s really good if the purchase budget can be stretched to 700–750 thousand rubles. If it’s a new car, that’s absolutely great,” advises our guest Svetlana Novikova.
Some newcomers also consider used foreign cars as their first car, but upon closer examination, many lose out to the LADA VESTA. The size of the interior and trunk is excellent, the sound insulation is no worse than that of Japanese cars of previous generations, and the appearance has received recognition.
And, of course, it’s nice to accustom yourself to a comfortable car from the very beginning - the LADA VESTA is larger than most sedans in this class, it has more space, and the finishing is almost as good, and the price tag is 100-150 thousand rubles lower. The advantages of LADA GRANTA here are its price.
And most importantly, these are new cars under warranty, in which the likelihood of technical problems is negligible.
“The good thing about a new car is that a beginner will learn to drive it, not repair it,” add employees of the FORVARD-AUTO sales department. “In case of a breakdown, there is an official dealer who will solve the problem.”
Features of the dealership are professionalism, hospitality of the staff and a full range of services to support the transaction. There is plenty to choose from: the dealer always has more than a thousand cars with a title in stock, and there are more than 10 reliable banks among the financial partners. Since 2012, 15 thousand motorists have become clients of the dealership.
Here you can use the services of a service center and equip your car with the necessary additional equipment (alarm system, anticorrosive, video camera, tinting, etc.), as well as undergo car servicing.
And here everything has been done for the convenience of the client - at the expense of FORVARD-AUTO, he will be provided with a taxi so that he can safely go home, leaving his car for servicing.
| And one more important highlight of FORVARD-AUTO is that the dealership center is located in the very center of the city, on Reshetnikova Street. Convenient to get around even if you don’t have your own car yet! |
Why you should pay attention to LADA GRANTA
The new LADA GRANTA deserves to become the first car. LADA GRANTA is affordable and simple, recognized as one of the most reliable cars. And its suspension is not afraid of “neither holes nor ditches”, which a novice driver can easily fall into. Large trunk, many body variations - finding the right LADA GRANTA is easy.
The entire LADA Granta family has received a new design in the “X-graphics” style, like the older models. But not only the design of the body and interior became innovations.
- The ergonomics of the driver's seat of the new LADA Granta is built according to European canons: logical and understandable arrangement of controls, high seating position, excellent visibility provided by large mirrors and a low window sill line. The shape of the front seats has been modernized, they received more comfortable headrests and pronounced lateral support. And the seat itself can be adjusted in height in the range of 40 mm.
- On the new LADA Granta family, the vibroacoustics of the body, interior and power unit have been taken to a new level - soft fender liners have appeared in the wheel arches made of a special material that does not absorb moisture and effectively dampens sandblasting and gravel impacts.
- Another pleasant improvement is the appearance of an external electric trunk release button.
- the strength structure of the body provides a reliable frame, complemented by modern safety systems, including: anti-lock brakes with emergency braking system, brake force distribution system, hill start assistant, exchange rate stability and traction control systems. For more reliable insurance when maneuvering in reverse, parking sensors have been introduced.
