VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
75 kW
Torque
360 Nm
270 Nm
Fuel
8.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
11.6 s
Engine
1996 cc
1968 cc
Choosing between the Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Caddy is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Transit Custom delivers 100 kW while the Volkswagen Caddy produces 75 kW. On fuel, the Transit Custom returns 8.2 l/100km while the Caddy uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R770 000 for the Transit Custom and R598 000 for the Caddy. 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
100 kW
75 kW
Torque
360 Nm
270 Nm
0-100 kph
—
11.6 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
178 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1968 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
139 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5450 mm
4500 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
1855-2100 mm
Height
1961 mm
1819 mm
Wheelbase
3500 mm
2755 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
160 mm
Kerb Weight
1864 Kg
1540 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 1 sliding left side + 2 rear swi
6 incl. 2 sliding side + 2 wing rear
Seats
2
2
Load Volume
5800 l
3100 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
1269 l
680 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ 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
Optional
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
2
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Transit Custom
Fuel Economy
Caddy
Value
Caddy
Practicality
Transit Custom
Pros & Cons
Ford Transit Custom
More powerful engine (100 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Caddy
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R598 000)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (75 kW vs 100 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Transit Custom or Caddy?
The Transit Custom uses 8.2 l/100km and the Caddy uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Caddy 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 Caddy?
The Transit Custom produces 100 kW and 360 Nm of torque while the Caddy delivers 75 kW and 270 Nm of torque. The Transit Custom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Transit Custom and Caddy?
The Transit Custom starts from R770 000 and the Caddy from R598 000. The Caddy is cheaper by R172 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Transit Custom or Caddy?
The Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Caddy can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Transit Custom or the Caddy?
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.