@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
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Ford Transit Transporter vs VW Transporter Bus – Differences & prices compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Ford Transit Transporter or VW Transporter Bus?

Transit Transporter @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

The Ultimate Transporter Showdown: Ford Transit Transporter vs. VW Transporter Bus

In the realm of multi-functional vehicles, the Ford Transit Transporter and the VW Transporter Bus set the benchmark for versatility, innovation, and performance. As these two giants go head-to-head, let's explore their technical specifications and unveil what sets them apart.

Transit Transporter @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Diverse Powertrains and Performance Capabilities

The Ford Transit Transporter boasts a broad range of powertrains to suit various needs, from traditional diesel engines offering between 105 to 269 HP, to the eco-friendly electric variant. The diesel engines provide a robust 310 to 430 Nm of torque, ensuring ample power whether for city drives or heavy-duty tasks. The electric version, with a battery capacity of 68 kWh, offers an impressive range of up to 317 km, making it a strong contender for environmentally conscious drivers.

In contrast, the VW Transporter Bus offers a dynamic selection of engines, ranging from diesel, petrol, to plug-in hybrid and electric options. The power output spans from 110 to 286 HP, with torque figures maxing out at 415 Nm. Notably, the VW’s electric variant features a maximum range of 324 km, slightly edging out its Ford counterpart on the sustainability front.

Transit Transporter @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Transmission and Drive Options: Flexibility Personified

Both vehicles provide manual and automatic transmission options. The Ford Transit’s transmission lineup emphasizes versatility with manual, automatic, and reduction gearboxes. It further offers front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel-drive configurations, accommodating diverse driving conditions and preferences.

The VW Transporter Bus also offers flexibility with manual, automatic, and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Drive type options include front-wheel, all-wheel, and rear-wheel-drive, allowing drivers to tailor their choice to their specific needs, from urban commuting to rugged terrain navigation.

Dimensions, Payload, and Practicality

While both models come with distinct body types, the Ford Transit focuses on a cargo van design, targeting those with substantial load requirements. Its payload capacity is exceptional, reaching up to 2,607 kg, with length options stretching up to 6,704 mm, accommodating the most demanding transport needs.

The VW Transporter Bus, mainly focusing on passenger comfort, embodies a streamlined bus design with seating for up to eight passengers. Its payload capacities max out at 1,143 kg and its dimensions are designed for urban functionality, with lengths ranging from 4,973 to 5,450 mm, combining passenger practicality with nimble maneuverability.

Interior Comfort and Capacity

Inside, the Ford Transit offers seating for either three or six occupants, depending on the layout, focusing on maximized cargo space for commercial use. Its interior is crafted for durability, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of everyday work environments.

In contrast, the VW Transporter Bus accommodates between four to eight passengers and emphasizes passenger comfort and convenience, ideal for families or group transport scenarios. Its ergonomic design and quality materials ensure that every journey is comfortable and enjoyable for all occupants.

Technological Innovations and Environmental Impact

Both vehicles incorporate cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and efficiency. The Ford Transit Transporter pushes the envelope with advanced energy recovery systems in its electric models, striving for minimal CO2 emissions, reflected in its CO2 efficiency classes ranging from A to G.

The VW Transporter Bus matches Ford's commitment to eco-friendliness with an impressive CO2 efficiency class range. The inclusion of plug-in hybrid technology further reduces emissions by offering combined petrol and electric propulsion, thus optimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.

The Verdict: Choosing Your Perfect Transporter

Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Transit Transporter and the VW Transporter Bus boils down to individual needs and preferences. Ford shines when it comes to payload and versatility for cargo-centric tasks, while VW excels in passenger comfort and technological sophistication, appealing to those who prioritize an eco-friendly and innovative driving experience.

Both models represent the pinnacle of their class, ensuring that whichever you choose, you are guaranteed power, reliability, and a touch of sophistication for any journey.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Ford Transit Transporter has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 39900 £, while the VW Transporter Bus costs 41500 £. That’s a price difference of around 1545 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Transporter Bus manages with 0.80 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Ford Transit Transporter with 7.90 L. The difference is about 7.10 L per 100 km.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Ford Transit Transporter: with 21.30 kWh per 100 km, it’s barely noticeable more efficient than the VW Transporter Bus with 22.40 kWh. That’s a difference of about 1.10 kWh.

As for range, the VW Transporter Bus performs slight better – achieving up to 324 km, about 7 km more than the Ford Transit Transporter.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Transporter Bus has a barely noticeable edge – offering 286 HP compared to 269 HP. That’s roughly 17 HP more horsepower.

In terms of top speed, the VW Transporter Bus performs evident better – reaching 200 km/h, while the Ford Transit Transporter tops out at 120 km/h. The difference is around 80 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Ford Transit Transporter pulls barely noticeable stronger with 430 Nm compared to 415 Nm. That’s about 15 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: VW Transporter Bus offers clearly perceptible more seating capacity – 8 vs 6.

In curb weight, VW Transporter Bus is minimal lighter – 1998 kg compared to 2074 kg. The difference is around 76 kg.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Transit Transporter performs clearly better – up to 14100 L, which is about 10095 L more than the VW Transporter Bus.

When it comes to payload, Ford Transit Transporter clearly takes the win – 2607 kg compared to 1143 kg. That’s a difference of about 1464 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Transporter Bus shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £41,500
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VW Transporter Bus

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 110 - 286 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.8 - 9.2 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 22.4 - 24.9 kWh
  • Electric Range : 87 - 324 km

Ford Transit Transporter

The Ford Transit Transporter has long been a staple in the commercial vehicle sector, renowned for its reliability and versatility. It offers a comfortable cabin with a modern design that enhances the driving experience, making long journeys more enjoyable. With a focus on practicality, the Transit provides ample cargo space, meeting the demands of businesses and individual users alike.

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VW Transporter Bus

The VW Transporter Bus from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is a versatile and reliable choice for both business and leisure purposes. It offers ample space and a flexible interior, making it ideal for transporting passengers or goods comfortably. The vehicle combines practicality with modern styling, ensuring it meets the demands of everyday use while maintaining an eye-catching appearance.

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Ford Transit Transporter
VW Transporter Bus
Transit Transporter @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Costs and Consumption

Price
39900 - 69100 £
Price
41500 - 85100 £
Consumption L/100km
7.9 - 10.3 L
Consumption L/100km
0.8 - 9.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
21.3 - 32 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
22.4 - 24.9 kWh
Electric Range
247 - 317 km
Electric Range
87 - 324 km
Battery Capacity
68 kWh
Battery Capacity
11.8 - 63.8 kWh
co2
0 - 270 g/km
co2
0 - 229 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
70 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 60 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Cargo Van
Body Type
Bus
Seats
3 - 6
Seats
4 - 8
Doors
4
Doors
4 - 5
Curb weight
2074 - 2765 kg
Curb weight
1998 - 2620 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
0 - 763 L
Length
5531 - 6704 mm
Length
4973 - 5450 mm
Width
2059 mm
Width
1941 - 2032 mm
Height
2530 - 2778 mm
Height
1907 - 1997 mm
Max trunk capacity
9300 - 14100 L
Max trunk capacity
3672 - 4005 L
Payload
735 - 2607 kg
Payload
330 - 1143 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Electric
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
105 - 269 HP
Power HP
110 - 286 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 16.9 s
Max Speed
120 km/h
Max Speed
112 - 200 km/h
Torque
310 - 430 Nm
Torque
310 - 415 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
77 - 198 kW
Power kW
81 - 210 kW
Engine capacity
1996 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 2488 cm3

General

Model Year
2019 - 2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, F, B, A
Brand
Ford
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Ford Transit Transporter have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.