VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
125 kW
Torque
440 Nm
390 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2800 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 140 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Vito returns 7.2 l/100km while the Transporter uses 8.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 375 279 for the Vito and R1 227 800 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
140 kW
125 kW
Torque
440 Nm
390 Nm
Top Speed
—
175 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
automatic
Number of Gears
9
8
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
186 g/km
209 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
5050 mm
Width
1928-2244 mm
2032 mm
Height
1910 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3200 mm
3100 mm
Ground Clearance
—
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2442 Kg
1912 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
8
8
Load Volume
990-1220-4630 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
1313 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 Km
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 (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Transporter
Lower starting price (R1 227 800)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Vito or Transporter?
The Vito uses 7.2 l/100km and the Transporter uses 8.0 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 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 125 kW and 390 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 375 279 and the Transporter from R1 227 800. The Transporter is cheaper by R147 479 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 2000 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 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.