VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
74kW@3500
Torque
440 Nm
240Nm@2000
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
9.44
Towing
2000 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
—
14.9
Engine
1950 cc
1870
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz Vito and the Renault Trafic is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz Vito delivers 140 kW while the Renault Trafic produces 74kW@3500. On fuel, the Vito returns 7.2 l/100km while the Trafic uses 9.44 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 290 748 for the Vito and R207 000 for the Trafic. 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
140 kW
74kW@3500
Torque
440 Nm
240Nm@2000
0-100 kph
—
14.9
Top Speed
—
155
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
1870
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
rear
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
9.44
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
11.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.4
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
90
CO2 Emissions
186 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
4782
Width
1928-2244 mm
2232
Height
1910 mm
1959
Wheelbase
3200 mm
3098
Ground Clearance
—
152
Kerb Weight
2287 Kg
2700
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
3
Load Volume
3600 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
—
5000
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
1
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
Optional
Climate Control
—
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 25000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz Vito
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Vito
Value
Trafic
Practicality
Vito
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Renault Trafic
Lower starting price (R207 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.44)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Vito or Trafic?
The Vito uses 7.2 l/100km and the Trafic uses 9.44 on the combined cycle. The Vito 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 Vito or Trafic?
The Vito produces 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Trafic delivers 74kW@3500 and 240Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Vito and Trafic?
The Vito starts from R1 290 748 and the Trafic from R207 000. The Trafic is cheaper by R1 083 748 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Vito or Trafic?
The Vito has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the Trafic can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Vito or the Trafic?
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.