Mercedes Sprinter Van vs Ford Transit

If you’re in need of a commercial cargo van, the choice is often between the Mercedes Sprinter Van and Ford Transit. Making an investment in this type of vehicle means considering the reliability and long-term costs of each. Here are some side-by-side comparisons.

Purchase Price

The Mercedes Sprinter Van is generally more expensive than the Ford Transit van. If you are buying brand new, as of 2023 the Sprinter Van starts at an MSRP of $64,920, while the Ford Transit starts at $60,250. While these prices are not far apart for the initial purchase, costs of maintenance vary between the two models, as we’ll review later.

Power and Performance

The Mercedes Sprinter has more powerful engine options and can tow more weight than the Ford Transit. For 2023, Sprinter Vans have options of 168 or 208 hp turbodiesels. All wheel drive is available on the Sprinter Van, but you can also choose a 50-50 bias power distribution.

Ford Transit offers two V6 engines: 275 hp naturally aspirated or 310 hp turbo EcoBoost. You can also choose between rear wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the Ford.

Fuel efficiency varies between the two models, with the Ford Transit achieving 17mpg or 13.8 L/100km and the Sprinter Van at 15mpg or 15.6 L/100km.

Lifespan

The longevity of each of these cargo vans varies greatly, which can be a major factor in deciding which one is the right investment. With Mercedes Sprinter Vans, you will likely put 240,000 kms on your vehicle before any major repairs need to be made. A lifetime in a Sprinter Van can get you well over 450,000 kms if proper maintenance and service is performed.

The Ford Transit, however, has a total life expectancy of approximately 240,000 kms. So, while your Sprinter Van is just reaching its first major repairs, you may be replacing a Ford Transit altogether at the same milestone.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

It may go without saying that in comparison, the Sprinter Van will be more expensive to maintain and repair than the Transit. The Sprinter Van is constructed using German engineering, and to maintain the high quality of these vehicles OEM replacement parts should be used. However, the quality of the Sprinter Van also means it should experience fewer major repairs. Regular maintenance tasks on these vehicles are at longer intervals, so while the cost may be higher each time, service is performed less frequently.

The Ford Transit is generally cheaper to maintain and repair than the Mercedes Sprinter. While this may seem like the more cost-effective option, it can also lead to other issues in the long term such as more frequent breakdowns from lower quality parts. And more frequent repairs can add up to a higher cost to operate as it also factors in more downtime.

Ultimately, the choice between a Mercedes Sprinter and a Ford Transit depends on the specific needs and preferences of the buyer. If you’re looking for a long-term investment that offers reliability and quality performance, the Sprinter Van has a reputation for both things.

At AutoGermany, we have extensive experience maintaining and servicing Mercedes Sprinter Vans, offering the latest technology in diagnostic tools and factory-trained knowledge. Our primary goal is to get to know you and your vehicle, and to ensure your van performs reliably to keep you moving.