VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
110 kW
Torque
390 Nm
360 Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Ford Transit Custom delivers 125 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 110 kW. On fuel, the Transit Custom returns 8.0 l/100km while the Transporter uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R949 000 for the Transit Custom and R887 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.
Specification
Ford Transit Custom2.0 TDCI Sport A/T F/C P/V 2024 - From R949 000
Volkswagen Transporter2.0tdi 110kw LWB A/T F/C P/V 2026 - From R887 000
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
110 kW
Torque
390 Nm
360 Nm
Top Speed
180 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
199 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5050 mm
5450 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
2032 mm
Height
1990 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3100 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance
—
164 mm
Kerb Weight
1971 Kg
1954 Kg
Doors
6 incl. 2 sliding side + 2 rear swing
5 incl. 1 sliding side + 2 wing rear
Seats
2
3
Load Volume
5200 l
6800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
1023 lkg
1071 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
✓ 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
4
2
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Transporter
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Transit Custom
Fuel Economy
Transporter
Value
Transporter
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Ford Transit Custom
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Transporter
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R887 000)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 125 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Transit Custom or Transporter?
The Transit Custom uses 8.0 l/100km and the Transporter uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Transporter 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 Transporter?
The Transit Custom produces 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 110 kW and 360 Nm of torque. The Transit Custom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Transit Custom and Transporter?
The Transit Custom starts from R949 000 and the Transporter from R887 000. The Transporter is cheaper by R62 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Transit Custom or Transporter?
The Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Transporter can tow 2800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Transit Custom 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.
Also Consider