5 Reasons the Mercedes Sprinter Is Better Than the Ford Transit
These two are popular work vans, passenger vans, and road trip haulers ready to take on van life. They each boast impressive capabilities and both the 2020 Mercedes Sprinter and the 2020 Ford Transit are good at their jobs. Whether on the job or a seasonal tour of the mountainous back roads of Colorado, drivers are likely to be happy with either option.
They both offer a gas or diesel engine, and a good variety of dimensional specs. But they are a little different. Here are 5 reasons the Mercedes sprinter is better than the Ford Transit.
Sophisticated steering
The Mercedes sprinter has the most impressive steering. Even at Car and Driver, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is lauded for its superior steering. They actually relate it to the steering of a Mercedes sedan. But better.
For something that you are going to drive for hours on end either as a work truck or a cross country crew carrier, this is a huge bonus for the driver. This is just the first thing about the Mercedes Sprinter that shows it was designed with the driver in mind. The next reason the Mercedes Sprinter is better than the Ford Transit also pertains to driver comfort.
More comfortable driver’s seat
The Mercedes Sprinter is the most comfortable between the two in terms of the driver’s seat. There is significantly more legroom and headroom. Additionally, the Mercedes van has a more ergonomic seat position, ideal for long hours behind the wheel.
Longer production = more used Sprinters
It is a lot easier to find an older used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van than a Ford Transit. Largely due to the fact that the vast majority of Sprinters are equipped with a diesel engine and they just last longer. A diesel engine easily has twice the longevity of a gasoline-powered option.
An old used Sprinter with 150,000 miles on it will readily give you another 150,000 miles. Assuming it has been properly maintained, of course. With appropriate and mindful maintenance, a diesel-equipped Sprinter will easily surpass 300,000 miles.
Diesel and 4×4
The Ford Transit does have a new factory 4×4 option for the 2020 vans. But it does not offer the 4×4 paired with a diesel engine. As we just mentioned, a diesel engine generally has a longer life span than a gasoline engine.
So, if you are going to pay the extra money for the 4×4 package it’s nice to know that you will get the longest life out of your van. At the very least this will contribute to the resale value of your van when it’s time for a new one. The fact that Mercedes offers the Sprinter with both a diesel engine and 4×4 is definitely a huge win for the Sprinter.
Roomier cargo and a heavier payload
This is an important factor to take into consideration. Whether you are in need of a powerful work van or planing a conversion creation for van life, cargo space is a big deal. In spite of an interior height that is actually a few inches shorter than that of the Ford Transit, the Mercedes Sprinter offers 319 cubic feet of cargo versus the Transit’s 278.
Plus, according to the Car and Driver comparison, the Ford Transit can support a 3,150 pound payload. Whereas the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can haul a load of 3,512 pounds. A van buildout or a commercial load will each benefit immensely from those extra 362 pounds.
Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit
While each of these vans is a great choice for a variety of purposes, certain differences can make one more desirable than the other. Depending on your specific van needs, the Mercedes Sprinter may be the better choice of the Ford Transit. The extra comfort of the driver’s seat alone could be a make it or break it issue for someone what knows they will be putting in a lot of hours behind the wheel.
