VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
81 kW
Torque
390 Nm
152 Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1300 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
12.8 s
Engine
1996 cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Caddy is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Transit Custom delivers 125 kW while the Volkswagen Caddy produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Transit Custom returns 8.0 l/100km while the Caddy uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R949 000 for the Transit Custom and R573 200 for the Caddy. 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
125 kW
81 kW
Torque
390 Nm
152 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.8 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
167 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5050 mm
4500 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
1855-2100 mm
Height
1990 mm
1832 mm
Wheelbase
3100 mm
2755 mm
Ground Clearance
—
144 mm
Kerb Weight
1971 Kg
1535 Kg
Doors
6 incl. 2 sliding side + 2 rear swing
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
Seats
2
5 (opt 7)
Load Volume
5200 l
191-1213-2556 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1300 Kg
Load Capacity
1023 l
665 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Caddy
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Transit Custom
Fuel Economy
Caddy
Value
Caddy
Practicality
Caddy
Pros & Cons
Ford Transit Custom
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Caddy
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R573 200)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 125 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Transit Custom or Caddy?
The Transit Custom uses 8.0 l/100km and the Caddy uses 7.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Caddy 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 Transit Custom or Caddy?
The Transit Custom produces 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque while the Caddy delivers 81 kW and 152 Nm of torque. The Transit Custom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Transit Custom and Caddy?
The Transit Custom starts from R949 000 and the Caddy from R573 200. The Caddy is cheaper by R375 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Transit Custom or Caddy?
The Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Caddy can tow 1300 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Transit Custom or the Caddy?
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.