VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
330 Nm
250Nm@1900
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
9.38L/100km
Towing
—
1885kg
0-100 km/h
—
19.6s
Engine
1950 cc
2461cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz Vito and the Volkswagen Caravelle is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-Benz Vito delivers 100 kW while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the Vito returns 5.8 l/100km while the Caravelle uses 9.38L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 167 984 for the Vito and R319 730 for the Caravelle. 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
Mercedes-Benz Vito114 2.0 CDI Tourer PRO A/T 2024 - From R1 167 984
Volkswagen Caravelle2.5tdi Trendline AT 2003 - From R319 730
Performance
Power Output
100 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
330 Nm
250Nm@1900
0-100 kph
—
19.6s
Top Speed
183 Km/h
152km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
2461cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 5
Cylinders
4
5
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
9
4
Drive Wheels
rear
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
9.38L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.24L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.19L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
80L
CO2 Emissions
152 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
4789mm
Width
1928-2244 mm
1840mm
Height
1910 mm
1940mm
Wheelbase
3200 mm
2920mm
Ground Clearance
—
180mm
Kerb Weight
1900 Kg
1885kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
8
8
Load Volume
990-1220-4630 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1885kg
Load Capacity
—
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2 (opt 3 / opt 5)
1
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
Optional
Side Airbags Front
Optional
—
Curtain Airbags
Optional
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✗
Park Distance Front
Optional
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
Optional
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000km
Service Plan
Optional
M
Service Plan Years
opt 2 to 5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
opt 100000 to 150000km
—
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Vito
Value
Caravelle
Practicality
Caravelle
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Caravelle
Lower starting price (R319 730)
Higher fuel consumption (9.38L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Vito or Caravelle?
The Vito uses 5.8 l/100km and the Caravelle uses 9.38L/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 Vito or Caravelle?
The Vito produces 100 kW and 330 Nm of torque while the Caravelle delivers 75kW@3500 and 250Nm@1900 of torque. The Vito is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Vito and Caravelle?
The Vito starts from R1 167 984 and the Caravelle from R319 730. The Caravelle is cheaper by R848 254 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Vito or Caravelle?
The Vito has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Caravelle can tow 1885kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Vito or the Caravelle?
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.