VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
100 kW
Torque
390 Nm
330 Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
—
Engine
1996 cc
1950 cc
Choosing between the Ford Transit Custom and the Mercedes-Benz Vito is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Ford Transit Custom delivers 125 kW while the Mercedes-Benz Vito produces 100 kW. On fuel, the Transit Custom returns 8.0 l/100km while the Vito uses 6.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R949 000 for the Transit Custom and R907 212 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.
Specification
Ford Transit Custom2.0 TDCI Sport A/T F/C P/V 2024 - From R949 000
Mercedes-Benz Vito114 2.0 CDI F/C P/V 2024 - From R907 212
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
100 kW
Torque
390 Nm
330 Nm
Top Speed
180 Km/h
183 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1950 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
164 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5050 mm
5140 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
1928-2244 mm
Height
1990 mm
1910 mm
Wheelbase
3100 mm
3200 mm
Kerb Weight
1971 Kg
1800 Kg
Doors
6 incl. 2 sliding side + 2 rear swing
5
Seats
2
2
Load Volume
5200 l
6000 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
1023 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
2
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
Optional
Optional
Service Plan Years
6yr
opt 2 to 5yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
opt 100000 to 150000km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Transit Custom
Fuel Economy
Vito
Value
Vito
Practicality
Transit Custom
Pros & Cons
Ford Transit Custom
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Better fuel economy (6.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R907 212)
Less power than rival (100 kW vs 125 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Transit Custom or Vito?
The Transit Custom uses 8.0 l/100km and the Vito uses 6.1 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 Transit Custom or Vito?
The Transit Custom produces 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque while the Vito delivers 100 kW and 330 Nm of torque. The Transit Custom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Transit Custom and Vito?
The Transit Custom starts from R949 000 and the Vito from R907 212. The Vito is cheaper by R41 788 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Transit Custom or Vito?
The Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Vito can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Transit Custom 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.
Also Consider