Mercedes or Ford? Sprinter or Transit? Let’s discover out collectively which van is extra dependable for van life!
Should you cease by a campervan competition or conversion rally, you will note dozens of shiny Mercedes Sprinters lined up. They’ve been thought of the very best automobile to show right into a camper for a very long time, due to their legendary lifespan and spectacular construct high quality. As a result of the Sprinter has confirmed highly regarded among the many van life neighborhood, there are many sources and an enormous quantity of official and aftermarket components that can assist you perform your personal conversion on the market.
But the Ford Transit, with its decrease buy worth and cheaper upkeep prices, is slowly catching up. Actually, yow will discover increasingly more equipment and components to transform Transits lately. Should you go on YouTube, you’ll discover loads of individuals residing out of 1.
Van lifers may be fairly opinionated about which of the 2 vans is finest. Reddit user PineConeHedgehog comments:
“Love my Transit. AWD was a should for me. We regularly camp down fairly unhealthy roads with very sandy situations and it has been excellent. The turbo provides me the ability and security I would like to drag out and maneuver in visitors with a big heavy automobile. The visibility is excellent, particularly with the backup cameras.”
However, Kaya Lindsay from GnomadHome selected a 2006 140” Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as a result of the gasoline economic system is nice, it’s nimble, and has an incredible flip radius. She has lived on her DIY conversion, Lyra, for the final 5 years.
So can we settle the nice van debate – Sprinter vs Transit – as soon as and for all? We’ll strive.
On this article, we take a look at the important thing variations between the 2 fashions. We use each technical knowledge and private expertise from quite a few sources that can assist you select between the 2 Titans.
1. What’s the distinction between a Sprinter van and a Transit van?
The outside and the cabin’s inside of those automobiles look fairly comparable. They’re not precisely simple to inform aside while you see them on the street – proper? But, in case you look carefully, you’ll discover a lot of distinctions.
You’ll discover the important thing variations between the Sprinter and the Transit on this desk. Additional down the web page, we go into element about them.
| Class | Mercedes Sprinter | Ford Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | LR 144” / HR 144” / HR 170” / HR 170” prolonged | MR 148” lengthy wheelbase / HR 148” lengthy wheelbase / HR 148” prolonged lengthy wheelbase |
| General size | 233.5” / 233.5” / 274.3” / 290” | 235.5” / 263.9” / 235.5” |
| Cargo quantity | 319 / 374.3 / 488.1 / 532.6 cu ft | 352.1 / 487.2 / 404.3 cu ft |
| Inside standing top | 67.7” / 79.1” / 79.1” / 79.1” | 72” / 81.5” / 81.5 “ |
| Drive practice | RWD, AWD, 4×4 | RWD, AWD (2023) |
| Colour choices | Arctic White, Blue Gray, Pebble Gray, Metal Blue, Aqua Inexperienced, Velvet Crimson, Jupiter Crimson, Gray White, Silver Gray, and Stone Gray | Abyss Grey Metallic, Agate Black Metallic, Avalanche Grey Metallic, Blue Metallic, Blue Mist, Carbonized Grey Metallic, Ingot Silver, Oxford White and Race Crimson |
| Most payload | 7,500 lbs with the diesel engine | 5,110 lbs with the diesel engine |
| Value vary | $43,000-$65,000 | $38,000-$56,000 |
Keep in mind that, primarily based on the 12 months of manufacturing, there may be some variations within the fashions.
2. The outside
The Sprinter is available in a panel and crew model, whereas the Transit is obtainable as a basic van, a double cabin-in-van, or a passenger van (the brand new 2023 Path).
The Sprinter may be so long as 290”, whereas the largest Transit is barely 235.5” lengthy. The inside top is comparable – 79.1” for the Sprinter and 81.5” for the Transit. Nonetheless, a Sprinter is 2.4 inches wider than the Transit.
General, in case you’re seeking to carry heaps of substances or set up a lot of furnishings in your rig, the excessive roof 170” prolonged Sprinter affords the largest quantity of quantity (532.6 cubic ft). That’s an entire lot greater than the 404.3 cubic ft you’ll discover on the largest Transit.
The 2024 Sprinter is obtainable in 10 colours, whereas the 2023 Transit is available in 9 coloration choices. You possibly can select between strong and metallic paint for each.
3. Inside
Each the Sprinter and the Transit function snug cabins that work nicely for long-distance journey.
The cabs are fashionable and good, whereas being useful. The primary distinction – aside from the look of the dashboard – is that the seating place is barely decrease on the Transit. Nonetheless, the legroom is just about the identical.
Newer vans supply loads of luxuries, comparable to an incredible infotainment system and heated entrance seats. Should you’re after an older mannequin, the cab will function much less expertise, however nonetheless an incredible stage of consolation. In any case, these automobiles have been constructed for supply drivers who must spend all day on the wheel.
4. Engine
The 2 vans are fairly highly effective, so they’ll make it up steep-ish mountains. The 2024 Sprinter is obtainable with both a standard-output 170-hp diesel or a high-output 211 hp diesel. The Ford Transit comes with a naturally-aspirated 275 hp 3.5L V6 engine in each diesel and gasoline.
Individuals who have take a look at drived each vans say that the brand new Transit, with its 3.5L V6 engine, has a car-like really feel; it appears smaller and lighter than it’s.
The mixed common MPG for a 2023 2,500 Sprinter is 17.75. Automobile and Driver carried out a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test on the 2019 Sprinter and it managed 15mpg, although.
The official Transit MPG quantity is eighteen. Nonetheless, Fuelly tested four 2023 Ford Transit-350 vehicles for a complete of 20,086 miles of driving and achieved a mixed common MPG of 15.41.
So by way of gasoline economic system, it appears the brand new automobiles are fairly comparable. On the subject of older fashions, many reviewers declare the Sprinter has significantly better gasoline economic system.
As of 2023, each the Transit and the Sprinter are available in AWD. Nonetheless, the older Transit fashions solely got here in RWD, so in case you’re on a funds and want a 4×4 van, you’ll want to purchase a Sprinter.
5. Which is most dependable – the Ford Transit or the Mercedes Sprinter?
Right here’s the million greenback query.
Most van lifers will confidently say the Sprinter outlasts the Transit by years. The primary can do over 300,000 miles (some individuals declare over 400,000), whereas the second can do greater than 200,000. That is in all probability because of the truth that most Sprinters are diesel, whereas Ford solely made gasoline engines for the Transit till 2023.
Should you’re shopping for used and also you wish to maintain onto your van for a few years to come back, you’re in all probability higher off with a Sprinter.
Be very cautious when inspecting ex Amazon supply vans, although. Reddit user OwlStretcher believes that in lots of circumstances, the preventative upkeep hasn’t been carried out and the restore work was accomplished by low-bid outlets on short-term contracts. User RcSheets comments:
“I might think about they get absolutely the **** overwhelmed out of them.”
Actually, this Reddit VanLife user says:
“As a former Amazon driver, I can confirm that these items get ABUSED. Once we bought our first Amazon vans (earlier than they have been simply white vans) it didn’t take lengthy for individuals to begin tearing them up. I might positively have somebody look it over actually good internally before you purchase.”
That stated, if the automobile may be very low-cost and also you’re eager to work on it earlier than you set off in your journey, you would possibly simply get your self a discount.
Like most automobiles, each Sprinters and Transits are recognized to have some points. We’ve summarized them within the desk under.
| Sprinter points | Transit points |
|---|---|
| DEF points (principally in 2010-2016 vans) | Throttle physique put on (on earlier fashions) |
| Torque converter issues | Water leak points, from the windshield |
| Glow plug points | U-joint untimely put on (on older fashions) |
| Injector issues | |
| DPF filter clogging |
Maintain a watch out for these points while you examine and take a look at drive a used van.
Shopping for a brand new automobile, buying guarantee, and sticking to the really useful upkeep schedule is one of the best ways to make sure your van will run easily for a very long time.
Earlier than buying a used automobile, ensure to analysis the precise mannequin you’re taking a look at. It’s going to doubtless have particular points and quirks. Even the gasoline economic system and dimensions will differ barely.
7. Upkeep prices
We’ll reduce to the chase right here. Servicing and sustaining a Sprinter is significantly costlier and complex. Sprinters require two kinds of common upkeep – service A and repair B – each 20,000 miles. The schedule for a Transit is way much less complicated.
Let’s evaluate upkeep prices for each vans.
| Mannequin 12 months | Sprinter Annual Upkeep Price | Transit Annual Upkeep Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $621 | $396 |
| 2021 | $731 | $465 |
| 2020 | $907 | $574 |
| 2019 | $1,188 | $749 |
| 2018 | $1,421 | $894 |
| 2017 | $1,788 | $1,123 |
Sources: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Maintenance Costs, Ford Transit Cargo Maintenance Costs
As you may see, taking care of a Ford Transit, on common, is extra economical.
There’s extra unhealthy information for Sprinter lovers. You’ll want to go to a specialised Mercedes dealership (not all Mercedes dealerships work on Sprinters) for servicing and repairs. Some individuals complain that is very inconvenient, each when on the street and at dwelling.
Divine from Divine On The Road needed to spend 1000’s of {dollars} to take care of and restore her 2011 Sprinter van. She as soon as broke down in the midst of the mountains and needed to spend $8,000 on repairs, plus $2,000 on a 3-week AirBnB keep. Ouch.
However, most mechanics can repair a Ford Transit – you may even service yours your self as a result of standard maintenance for Transits is quite a bit less complicated and cheaper. Components are sometimes available and economical.
Katie from So We Bought A Van writes on her weblog:
“One of many advantages of this automobile that I recognize as a full-time traveler is that it may be taken to any mechanic to be labored on and doesn’t require in depth specialty information or a dealership.”
However in case you’d favor to go to a dealership or a mechanic, you will have loads of alternative – most will work on a Transit.
As well as, the likelihood of one thing going flawed and needing a restore value over $500 is just a little larger for a Sprinter than for a Transit.
| 12 months | Mercedes Sprinter | Ford Transit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.85% | 3.64% |
| 2 | 9.7% | 6.05% |
| 3 | 10.88% | 6.78% |
| 4 | 19.22% | 11.98% |
| 5 | 27.53% | 17.16% |
| 6 | 30.96% | 19.3% |
Sources: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Maintenance Costs, Ford Transit Cargo Maintenance Costs
Lastly, the common insurance coverage price is larger for Sprinters. It prices a mean of $1,794 a 12 months to insure a Sprinter versus $1,461 for a Transit.
These figures shouldn’t be a principal deciding issue (it’s not all concerning the cash, in spite of everything), nevertheless it’s essential to notice that if you wish to purchase a Sprinter, you need to come up with the money for within the financial institution to take care of it and repair it up.
7. Value level and resale worth
Sprinters are notoriously extra pricey to buy. To purchase the additional cargo house and splendid cockpit choices, you could spend extra.
Nonetheless, this isn’t essentially true for brand new fashions. A 2023 Sprinter begins from $45,795, whereas a Transit begins at $46,350.
Ford has simply launched the Ford Transit Path – a passenger model of the Transit that includes swivel seats, a 3.5in physique carry, improved floor clearance, and extra. It’s designed for upfitting and may be bought ranging from $65,975.
New vans include a guaranty and make it simpler to acquire financing, so it is perhaps value shopping for new for some. Furthermore, the brand new Transits would possibly retain extra worth sooner or later.
Should you’re seeking to purchase used, we now have created a desk with common costs for second-hand vans. Keep in mind that the numbers under range primarily based on mannequin and placement.
| 12 months | Sprinter Value | Transit Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $60,608 | $34,803 |
| 2019 | $56,545 | $33,204 |
| 2018 | $47,835 | $31,550 |
| 2017 | $46,305 | $33,373 |
| 2016 | $45,003 | $29,450 |
| 2015 | $39,511 | $27,080 |
Sources: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Depreciation, Ford Transit Depreciation Rate
Many individuals surprise if shopping for a Sprinter van is an efficient funding. It may be, particularly in case you purchase new and promote inside three years. Nonetheless, in case you’re set on holding the van for 4 years or extra, you’ll be getting more cash again for a Transit.
Right here’s the estimated depreciation of each vans for the primary 5 years of their lives.
| Years Outdated | Sprinter Depreciation | Transit Depreciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6% | 7.5% |
| 2 | 11% | 11.5% |
| 3 | 13% | 16% |
| 4 | 27% | 17% |
| 5 | 28% | 21% |
Sources: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Depreciation, Ford Transit Cargo Depreciation
8. Official and aftermarket equipment
Becoming your van out is essential in case you plan to go boondocking or on grime roads usually. On the subject of official and aftermarket components, there are tons of of equipment designed for the Sprinter. Consider Fiamma, Aluminess and Backwoods Journey Mods. Should you get a Sprinter, you’ll doubtless be capable to equipment it out precisely as you want.
Extra aftermarket components for the Transit have gotten obtainable. You don’t have as a lot alternative but, however you may positively obtain a pleasant setup.
9. Form
Should you’re planning a DIY conversion, you’ll want to consider the form of the cab, too. You have to to put in insulation and sq. furnishings, like cabinetry, onto the partitions.
The Sprinter’s physique options curvier partitions than the Transit. Neither are a sq. field, however the Transit can pose fewer challenges to the brand new DIYer.
Sara and Alex James determined the form of the Transit’s sliding door was a deal breaker to them. There’s an enormous bulkhead above the sliding door, which makes it awkward to get on and off the van. Should you’re tall, you danger hitting your head each time.
The roof of the Transit additionally begins diving down into the entrance, in the direction of the windshield, quite a bit earlier, including further complexity to your construct. On the Sprinter, the curvature doesn’t begin till the sliding door begins.
10. Assets
As a result of the Mercedes Sprinter has been a well-liked base for a conversion for a few years, there are many sources you may faucet into that can assist you plan, design, and work by yourself rig. Consider boards like The Sprinter resource.
There’s much less of a cult following for the Transit. Nonetheless, you’ll discover some inspiration and ideas from different van lifers on YouTube.
- Cheaper buy worth
- Drives very comfortably and looks like a automotive
- Decrease upkeep and insurance coverage prices
- 2.4in further headroom
- Simple-to-find and low-cost substitute components
- Depreciates slower
- Decrease probability of main restore (over $500) due inside the first 10 years.
- Cheaper buy worth
- Drives very comfortably and looks like a automotive
- Decrease upkeep and insurance coverage prices
- 2.4in further headroom
- Simple-to-find and low-cost substitute components
- Depreciates slower
- Decrease probability of main restore (over $500) due inside the first 10 years.
- Decrease gasoline mileage than a Sprinter (some fashions)
- Much less fashionable amongst van lifers, so fewer sources obtainable
- Fuel fashions solely final 200,000 miles
- Decrease payload
- Bulkhead over sliding door lowers headroom on the door
- Early curvature of roof diving in the direction of the windshield complicates construct
- Smaller cargo house
- Older fashions not obtainable in AWD or 4×4
- Not as many aftermarket equipment.
- Price range-friendly
- Glorious gasoline effectivity
- Simple maneuverability
- Highly effective engine
- First rate payload
- Nice for metropolis driving.
- Dearer to buy
- Greater upkeep and insurance coverage prices
- Curvier partitions
- Substitute components not available and costly
- Greater probability of main restore (over $500) due inside the first 10 years.
So have we settled the controversy? Kinda. The reality is that you just’re the one one who can. There isn’t a greater van – all of it comes all the way down to your private preferences and wishes.
Mac from Halfway Anywhere was undecided between the 2023 Mercedes Sprinter and the 2023 Transit Path. After rigorously analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of each vans, he settled for a Sprinter. He prefers the diesel engine, extra clearance, and the additional choices obtainable for the Sprinter.
Jake & Emmie, however, selected a Ford Transit as a result of it encompasses a larger ceiling and it’s gasoline. The couple has traveled round South America, the place discovering diesel mechanics is more durable. Jake says that Napoleone, their van, “has gotten us by means of loads of sticky conditions.”
At Van2B, we predict each the Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit are improbable automobiles to show into camper vans. They supply loads of room within the cabin, have a superb lifespan, and have highly effective engines. The Ram ProMaster can be an incredible alternative in case you want a barely wider van and also you’re on a tighter funds.
For this reason we manufacture each – Sprinter van camper conversion kits and Ford Transit van conversion kit choices.
Our kits are made within the USA, out of San Diego, utilizing premium supplies. We design and construct our items to be sturdy and sensible whereas offering the consolation you want on the street.
We ship free of charge to the Decrease 48. Take a look at our van excessive high conversion equipment
Surprise what different automobiles are a superb base for a conversion? Check out this article.
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