VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
125 kW
Torque
390 Nm
390 Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Transit Custom delivers 125 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Transit Custom returns 8.0 l/100km while the Transporter uses 8.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R949 000 for the Transit Custom and R1 342 400 for the Transporter. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
125 kW
Torque
390 Nm
390 Nm
Top Speed
180 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
227 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5050 mm
5050 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
2032 mm
Height
1990 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3100 mm
3100 mm
Ground Clearance
—
164 mm
Kerb Weight
1971 Kg
2009 Kg
Doors
6 incl. 2 sliding side + 2 rear swing
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
2
8
Load Volume
5200 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
1023 l
1216 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Transit Custom
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Transit Custom
Value
Transit Custom
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Ford Transit Custom
Better fuel economy (8.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R949 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Transporter
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Transit Custom or Transporter?
The Transit Custom uses 8.0 l/100km and the Transporter uses 8.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Transit Custom is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Transit Custom or Transporter?
The Transit Custom produces 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Transit Custom and Transporter?
The Transit Custom starts from R949 000 and the Transporter from R1 342 400. The Transit Custom is cheaper by R393 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Transit Custom or Transporter?
The Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Transporter can tow 2800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Transit Custom or the Transporter?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.