In the commercial vehicle sector, versatility and efficiency are key attributes. The Renault Trafic Bus and the VW Transporter are two popular choices for businesses and individuals seeking reliability and innovation. This article dives into the technical details and innovations of these two contenders, helping you choose the right vehicle for your needs.
The Renault Trafic Bus offers a range of diesel engines, providing power outputs of 110, 150, and 170 HP, with respective torque figures of 300, 350, and 380 Nm. It supports both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, delivering a front-wheel-drive experience.
Conversely, the VW Transporter presents a wider variety of powertrains, including diesel, plugin hybrid, and electric options. Horsepower ranges from 110 to a high-performance 286 HP, accommodating front, all-wheel, and rear-wheel drives. The diesel options typically come paired with both manual and automatic gearbox choices.
The Trafic Bus boasts a fuel consumption of between 6.8 and 7.2 L/100 km, thanks to its efficient diesel engines. Its CO2 emissions range from 178 to 190 g/km, classifying it under the CO2 efficiency class G.
In comparison, the Transporter offers some compelling green options, with plugin hybrid and electric drives complementing its diesel engines. The plugin hybrid achieves an electric range up to 331 km and CO2 emissions dropping to zero for fully electric options, making it a strong contender for eco-conscious businesses.
The Renault Trafic Bus is designed to accommodate up to 8 seats, making it ideal for transporting larger groups. Its substantial payload capacity ranges from 730 to 1010 kg, ensuring it can handle various load types effectively.
The VW Transporter varies between 2 and 5 seats, offering more personalization for different business needs. With a payload capacity peaking at 1259 kg, it edges out the Trafic in terms of carrying capacity and versatility.
Measuring between 5080 to 5480 mm in length, 1956 mm in width, and standing 1973 mm tall, the Trafic provides a robust frame built for durability. Its cargo space is generous, catering to a range of business applications.
The VW Transporter, slightly more compact at lengths from 5050 to 5450 mm, features a width of 2032 mm and heights varying up to 1985 mm. The variety in size configurations enables users to choose based on specific space and maneuverability requirements.
Renault has focused on enhancing the driving experience by introducing advanced infotainment systems and improved safety features, ensuring a comfortable journey for drivers and passengers alike. Innovations like the dual-clutch automatic gearbox enhance the driving smoothness of the Trafic Bus.
VW, renowned for its innovative edge, integrates advanced driver assistance systems and connectivity features in the Transporter. These technologies offer an intuitive driving experience, making long trips more efficient and less stressful on the road.
Both the Renault Trafic Bus and the VW Transporter bring unique strengths to the table. The Trafic stands out with its spacious interior and reliable diesel engines, ideal for passenger transport. Meanwhile, the Transporter excels with its diverse powertrain options and advanced tech features, offering a solution for those looking for flexibility and cutting-edge efficiency. It ultimately comes down to your specific needs — whether you prioritize seating capacity or technological innovation, these vehicles are both worthy contenders in the commercial space.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
VW Transporter Transporter has a barely noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 37500 £, while the Renault Trafic Bus costs 38200 £. That’s a price difference of around 724 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Trafic Bus manages with 6.70 L and is therefore minimal more efficient than the VW Transporter Transporter with 7.10 L. The difference is about 0.40 L per 100 km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the VW Transporter Transporter has a clearly edge – offering 286 HP compared to 170 HP. That’s roughly 116 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Transporter Transporter is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.40 s, while the Renault Trafic Bus takes 10.60 s. That’s about 3.20 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the Renault Trafic Bus performs slightly better – reaching 180 km/h, while the VW Transporter Transporter tops out at 150 km/h. The difference is around 30 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: VW Transporter Transporter pulls minimal stronger with 415 Nm compared to 380 Nm. That’s about 35 Nm difference.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Seats: Renault Trafic Bus offers decisively more seating capacity – 9 vs 5.
In curb weight, VW Transporter Transporter is hardly perceptible lighter – 1872 kg compared to 2031 kg. The difference is around 159 kg.
When it comes to payload, VW Transporter Transporter evident takes the win – 1259 kg compared to 982 kg. That’s a difference of about 277 kg.
Overall, the VW Transporter Transporter 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.
The Renault Trafic is a practical people-carrier that prefers sensible space and smart flexibility to showroom gloss, making it a top pick for families, shuttle operators or anyone ferrying a crowd without fuss. It’s comfortable, economical in everyday running and blessedly uncomplicated — not the most glamorous vehicle, but brilliantly dependable when you need it to be.
detailsThe VW Transporter is the workhorse of the modern tradesman, blending practical cleverness with a cabin that's actually pleasant to spend a long day in. It may not steal the style spotlight, but its unshowy durability, clever load solutions and easy-to-live-with character make it a sensible pick for businesses and weekend projects alike.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
38200 - 54400 £
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Price
37500 - 60800 £
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Consumption L/100km
6.7 - 7.2 L
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Consumption L/100km
7.1 - 8.4 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
21.9 - 24.4 kWh
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Electric Range
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Electric Range
56 - 331 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
11.8 - 63.8 kWh
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co2
175 - 189 g/km
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co2
0 - 220 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
80 L
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Fuel tank capacity
55 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Bus
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Body Type
Cargo Van
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Seats
8 - 9
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Seats
2 - 5
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Doors
4
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Doors
4 - 5
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Curb weight
2031 - 2352 kg
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Curb weight
1872 - 2462 kg
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Trunk capacity
-
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Trunk capacity
-
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Length
5080 - 5480 mm
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Length
5050 - 5450 mm
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Width
1956 mm
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Width
2032 mm
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Height
1973 - 1974 mm
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Height
1966 - 1985 mm
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Max trunk capacity
3200 - 4000 L
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
718 - 982 kg
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Payload
755 - 1259 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Diesel
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Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
110 - 170 HP
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Power HP
110 - 286 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.6 - 16.5 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 16.9 s
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Max Speed
161 - 180 km/h
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Max Speed
112 - 150 km/h
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Torque
300 - 380 Nm
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Torque
310 - 415 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
81 - 125 kW
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Power kW
81 - 210 kW
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Engine capacity
1997 cm3
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Engine capacity
1996 - 2488 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2023 - 2025
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, F
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, A
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Brand
Renault
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Brand
VW
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The Renault Trafic Bus is offered with Front-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.
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