VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
81 kW
Torque
420 Nm
310 Nm
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
2000 Kg
Engine
2755 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Toyota Quantum and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Toyota Quantum delivers 115 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Quantum returns 8.7 l/100km while the Transporter uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 265 000 for the Quantum and R827 000 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
115 kW
81 kW
Torque
420 Nm
310 Nm
Top Speed
—
155 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2755 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
6
6
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
229 g/km
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5300 mm
5450 mm
Width
1970 mm
2032 mm
Height
1990 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3210 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2720 Kg
1882 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 1 sliding side + 2 wing rear
Seats
6
3
Load Volume
—
6800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
1143 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
2
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
9 services
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Transporter
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Quantum
Fuel Economy
Transporter
Value
Transporter
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Toyota Quantum
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Transporter
Better fuel economy (7.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R827 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 115 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Quantum or Transporter?
The Quantum uses 8.7 l/100km and the Transporter uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Transporter 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 Quantum or Transporter?
The Quantum produces 115 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 81 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The Quantum is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Quantum and Transporter?
The Quantum starts from R1 265 000 and the Transporter from R827 000. The Transporter is cheaper by R438 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Quantum or Transporter?
The Quantum has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the Transporter can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Quantum 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.