VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
120 kW
Torque
148 Nm
380 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Engine
1499 cc
1950 cc
Choosing between the DFSK C35 and the Mercedes-Benz Vito is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The DFSK C35 delivers 85 kW while the Mercedes-Benz Vito produces 120 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the Vito uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R304 950 for the C35 and R1 195 810 for the Vito. 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
85 kW
120 kW
Torque
148 Nm
380 Nm
Top Speed
140 Km/h
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1950 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
9
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
178 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
5140 mm
Width
1680 mm
1928-2244 mm
Height
1960 mm
1910 mm
Wheelbase
3050 mm
3200 mm
Kerb Weight
1290 Kg
1900 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
4
8
Load Volume
2550 l
990-1220-4630 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
495 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
-
2 (opt 3 / opt 5)
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
Optional
Curtain Airbags
—
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
—
Optional
Park Distance Front
—
Optional
Sunroof
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
Optional
Service Plan Years
—
opt 2 to 5yr
Service Plan Distance
—
opt 100000 to 150000km
Service Intervals
10000
service interval indicator / 25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz Vito
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Vito
Value
C35
Practicality
Vito
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
Lower starting price (R304 950)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 120 kW)
Mercedes-Benz Vito
More powerful engine (120 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C35 or Vito?
The C35 uses 7.2 l/100km and the Vito uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Vito is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the C35 or Vito?
The C35 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the Vito delivers 120 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The Vito is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C35 and Vito?
The C35 starts from R304 950 and the Vito from R1 195 810. The C35 is cheaper by R890 860 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the C35 or the Vito?
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.