Compare performance (177 HP vs 286 HP), boot space and price (47100 £ vs 41500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Crafter or VW Transporter Bus?
In the versatile world of utility vehicles, Volkswagen stands tall with its offerings of the VW Crafter and VW Transporter Bus. These vehicles cater to different needs, yet share a lineage of reliability and performance. Let's delve into the finer details and see how these two titans stack up against each other.
The VW Crafter is clearly designed for heavy-duty tasks, with its body type as a Cargo Van. It boasts a lengthy exterior, available in dimensions of 5,986 mm to 7,391 mm in length, and a height range from 2,355 mm to 2,830 mm. This makes the Crafter ideal for cargo transportation.
In contrast, the VW Transporter Bus wears multiple hats by offering more compact dimensions, suiting those who prioritize versatility. With lengths ranging from 4,973 mm to 5,450 mm and heights from 1,907 mm to 1,984 mm, the Transporter Bus proves adaptable for both cargo and personal use.
The Crafter offers a diesel-only lineup, providing a robust set of power options ranging from 140 to 177 HP, paired with either manual or automatic transmissions. The drive type also varies from rear-wheel, front-wheel, to all-wheel-drive, making it adaptable to different terrains and needs.
Meanwhile, the Transporter Bus flexes its powertrain variety with diesel, petrol, plugin hybrid, and electric options. Its power spectrum extends from 110 to 286 HP. The flexibility of choosing between manual, automatic, and dual-clutch transmissions ensures a tailored driving experience that meets various user demands.
Fuel efficiency in the Crafter spans a consumption range from 8.4 to 13.1 L/100 km, which is quite respectable considering its cargo van status. The Transporter Bus, leveraging its diverse engine options, boasts lower fuel consumption figures that start at 0.8 L/100 km for some hybrid models, and up to 9.2 L/100 km for traditional engines.
In the realm of emissions, the Crafter carries a CO2 efficiency class of G, accentuating its industrial purpose, while the Transporter qualifies for slightly more favorable ratings, including some models even reaching a class A efficiency with near-zero emissions.
The VW Crafter shines with its high payload capacity, offering up to 2,963 kg, thanks to its robust build and loading layout. Inside, though, it provides seating for only two, emphasizing its commercial utility focus.
In contrast, the VW Transporter Bus optimizes space for passengers with seating arrangements that can accommodate up to 8 people, ideal for shuttle services or group travel. It also offers a trunk capacity of 763 liters, ensuring there's room for luggage or equipment alongside the passengers.
Both vans are equipped with cutting-edge technology, enhancing functionality and safety. The Crafter incorporates advanced driving aids, optimized for its role in heavy transport, while the Transporter Bus offers tech variants like dual-clutch automatic transmissions and electric drivetrains for a smoother, more efficient ride.
The choice between the VW Crafter and the VW Transporter Bus ultimately hinges on specific needs. The Crafter is tailored for businesses requiring maximum load capacity and robust performance. In contrast, the Transporter Bus beckons those who seek versatility for both personal and professional use, with a bent toward efficiency and passenger comfort.
In this world of practicality meets innovation, Volkswagen ensures there is a van for every need, affirming its commitment to quality and variety within the utility vehicle sector.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
VW Transporter Bus has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 41500 £ , while the VW Crafter costs 47100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5646 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Transporter Bus manages with 0.80 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the VW Crafter with 8.40 L. The difference is about 7.60 L per 100 km.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the VW Transporter Bus has a distinct edge – offering 286 HP compared to 177 HP. That’s roughly 109 HP more horsepower.
In terms of top speed, the VW Transporter Bus performs to a small extent better – reaching 200 km/h, while the VW Crafter tops out at 165 km/h. The difference is around 35 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: VW Transporter Bus pulls slight stronger with 415 Nm compared to 410 Nm. That’s about 5 Nm difference.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Seats: VW Transporter Bus offers clearly more seating capacity – 8 vs 2.
In curb weight, VW Transporter Bus is barely noticeable lighter – 1998 kg compared to 2072 kg. The difference is around 74 kg.
In maximum load capacity, the VW Crafter performs clearly better – up to 18400 L, which is about 14395 L more than the VW Transporter Bus.
When it comes to payload, VW Crafter decisively takes the win – 2994 kg compared to 1143 kg. That’s a difference of about 1851 kg.
The VW Transporter Bus is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The VW Crafter is a no-nonsense workhorse that makes hauling and running a mobile business feel almost civilized, with a cabin built for long days and smart storage where you need it. It may not turn heads for glamour, but its sturdy build, straightforward tech and reliable manners mean fewer headaches for owners — a van that prefers to earn your trust rather than demand attention.
detailsThe VW Transporter is the Swiss Army knife of vans — rugged, practical and surprisingly civilized on the road, whether you’re hauling kit for a job or converting it into a weekend camper. It isn’t trying to be glamorous, but its blend of durability, clever packaging and familiar VW charm makes it a sensible choice for buyers who need space without sacrificing driveability.
detailsCosts and Consumption |
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|---|---|
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Price
47100 - 68800 £
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Price
41500 - 85100 £
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Consumption L/100km
8.4 - 13.1 L
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Consumption L/100km
0.8 - 9.2 L
|
|
Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
22.4 - 24.9 kWh
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|
Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
87 - 324 km
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|
Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
11.8 - 63.8 kWh
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co2
220 - 342 g/km
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co2
0 - 229 g/km
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|
Fuel tank capacity
75 L
|
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 60 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Cargo Van
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Body Type
Bus
|
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Seats
2
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Seats
4 - 8
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|
Doors
4
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Doors
4 - 5
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Curb weight
2072 - 2810 kg
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Curb weight
1998 - 2620 kg
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Trunk capacity
-
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Trunk capacity
0 - 763 L
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Length
5986 - 7391 mm
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Length
4973 - 5450 mm
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Width
2040 - 2069 mm
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Width
1941 - 2032 mm
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Height
2355 - 2830 mm
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Height
1907 - 1997 mm
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Max trunk capacity
9300 - 18400 L
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Max trunk capacity
3672 - 4005 L
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|
Payload
1037 - 2994 kg
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Payload
330 - 1143 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Diesel
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Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol, 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, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
140 - 177 HP
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Power HP
110 - 286 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 16.9 s
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Max Speed
90 - 165 km/h
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Max Speed
112 - 200 km/h
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|
Torque
360 - 410 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
103 - 130 kW
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Power kW
81 - 210 kW
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|
Engine capacity
1968 cm3
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Engine capacity
1498 - 2488 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2017 - 2023
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, F, B, A
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|
Brand
VW
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Brand
VW
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The VW Crafter is available as Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.
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Nederland
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Danmark
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