VS
At a Glance
Power
120 kW
81 kW
Torque
380 Nm
310 Nm
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
—
2000 Kg
Engine
1950 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz Vito and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz Vito delivers 120 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Vito returns 6.9 l/100km while the Transporter uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 033 735 for the Vito and R933 500 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
120 kW
81 kW
Torque
380 Nm
310 Nm
Top Speed
195 Km/h
155 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
178 g/km
189 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
5450 mm
Width
1928-2244 mm
2032 mm
Height
1910 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3200 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance
—
164 mm
Kerb Weight
1850 Kg
1916 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
5
8
Load Volume
3600 l
6800 with rear seats removed l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
1309 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2 (opt 3 / opt 5)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
Optional
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
opt 2 to 5
3
Service Plan Distance
opt 100000 to 150000
60000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Vito
Value
Transporter
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz Vito
More powerful engine (120 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Transporter
Lower starting price (R933 500)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 120 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Vito or Transporter?
The Vito uses 6.9 l/100km and the Transporter uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Vito 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 Vito or Transporter?
The Vito produces 120 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 81 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The Vito is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Vito and Transporter?
The Vito starts from R1 033 735 and the Transporter from R933 500. The Transporter is cheaper by R100 235 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Vito or Transporter?
The Vito has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Transporter can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Vito 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.