Clash of the Titans – Sprinter Vs Transit
Together, the Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit van dominate the light commercial vehicle market. The Sprinter has been hugely popular since it first appeared in 1995, while the iconic Transit van has become ubiquitous and will forever be associated with the legendary ‘man in the white van’. But what is the best van for you? Here we compare the long wheelbase version of the Transit to the latest Sprinter model.
Maximum load
The long-wheelbase Transit can carry 1,400kg, while the Sprinter can only handle (still impressive) 900kg. So if you need to haul particularly heavy loads, the LWB Transit will be the best option. However, the Sprinter is more than capable of carrying most loads and is a favorite with many couriers.
Dimensions
The Mercedes Sprinter has a 2.6 meter rear cab and can comfortably accommodate two standard pallets. The longest version of the Transit is a whopping 3.4 meters long, which means it can handle a full additional pallet. If you regularly haul large quantities, Transit is the van. If you work primarily with lighter mixed loads, as many couriers do, the Sprinter may be the vehicle for you.
Because they are considerably shorter than LWB Transit, Sprinters are better suited for urban driving. For example, using Mercedes vans in Birmingham city center can be more delicate than trying to handle the longer Transit.
Fuel economy
Both trucks are relatively inexpensive. On average, a diesel-powered Ford Transit will drive about 29 miles per gallon. The new Sprinter, launched in 2014, can handle a far more impressive 43 miles per gallon, making it by far the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. If you tend to rack up miles, investing in a Sprinter could save you a lot of cash in the long run.
Price
The Mercedes Sprinter is more expensive than the Transit, but it also comes with a host of safety features and options that the Ford simply can’t match. The Sprinter also holds its value much better than the Transit.
When buying a Mercedes sprinter vans o Transit, bargains are often found where commercial vehicles are most concentrated. Used Mercedes trucks for sale in Birmingham, for example, are likely significantly cheaper than their counterparts for sale in rural areas.
Appearance and comfort
The new range of Sprinters is undoubtedly much more attractive than the square Ford Transit. The Mercedes is also much more comfortable in the cabin and is available with many more options.
In short, if you don’t need to haul very heavy loads and you rarely have more than two pallets of goods on board, the more economical Sprinter is probably your best option. If you move larger and heavier loads on a regular basis, you may want to opt for the LWB Transit. However, the Ford is much longer and less efficient. Plus, the Sprinter looks better, drives better, and will hold more of its value than the Ford, so you’ll get more of your out-of-pocket should you come in to sell the truck.