Mercedes Sprinter vs Ford Transit | BEST VAN FOR VAN LIFE
If you’re thinking about doing full-time van life or building a conversion van, the first step is to figure out which van will be best for your van conversion.
For the purpose of this blog we will be comparing the high roof versions of the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit van.
There are a few key things to consider when it comes to buying a van for van life. We’ll talk about each one of these in more detail in this blog:
How tall are you?
If you are over 6’2” the Ford Transit may be a better option
What is your budget?
The Ford Transit offers a little more upfront affordability
Do you plan on selling your van conversion in the future?
Mercedes Sprinters hold their resale value much better than a Transit van.
SHOULD YOU BUY A NEW VAN OR A USED VAN?
When it comes to buying a van, we recommend buying a used van. This will help keep upfront costs down and will help maximize any potential profits if you plan on selling the van down the line. Here are our guidelines for used vans:
under 50,000 miles
less than 5 years old
clean carfax/vehicle history
If you buy a new van, you will end up spending more upfront and you will take the hit on depreciation as soon as you drive off the lot since the van will no longer be “new.” With that said, there are better deals on financing a new van versus a used van.
Want floor plans for your van conversion?
Check out the Van Guide Bundle complete with the Van Starter Guide and Van Layout Guide. You’ll get dimensions, renderings and helpful tips for your van build.
PRICE – MERCEDES SPRINTER VS. FORD TRANSIT
For most people choosing a van often comes down to availability and price. Used Sprinter Vans in good condition with low mileage often sell within a day of listing, so they can be hard to get unless you are looking every day.
That’s why many opt for a Ford Transit - they are easier to find and often have a lower sticker price.
A new Mercedes Sprinter Van starts at $40,000 while a new Ford Transit high roof starts at $38,000.
SIZE & DIMENSIONS – MERCEDES SPRINTER VS. FORD TRANSIT
The Mercedes Sprinter high roof comes in 3 wheelbases:
the 144" wheelbase
the 170" wheelbase
the 170" extended wheelbase
The Ford Transit high roof comes in 2 wheelbases:
the 147.6" wheelbase
the 147.6" extended wheelbase
The 144” Wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter Dimensions:
Overall Length = 233.3"
Overall Height = 105.9"
Interior Standing Height = 77.8"
Interior Cargo Length = 137.4"
Interior Width = 70.1"
Gross Vehicle Weight = 8,550 lbs
Towing Capacity = 5,000 lbs
Payload = 3,436 lbs
The 170” Wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter Dimensions:
Overall Length = 274.1"
Overall Height = 105.8"
Interior Standing Height = 77.8"
Interior Cargo Length = 178.2"
Interior Width = 70.1"
Gross Vehicle Weight = 8,550 lbs
Towing Capacity = 5,000 lbs
Payload = 3,105 lbs
The 170” Extended Wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter Dimensions:
Overall Length = 289.8"
Overall Height = 105.7"
Interior Standing Height = 77.8"
Interior Cargo Length = 193.9"
Interior Width = 70.1"
Gross Vehicle Weight = 8,550 lbs
Towing Capacity = 5,000 lbs
Payload = 2,984 lbs
The 147.6” Wheelbase Ford Transit Dimensions:
Overall Length = 235.5"
Overall Height = 110.1"
Interior Standing Height = 81.5"
Interior Cargo Length = 143.7"
Interior Width = 75.6"
Gross Vehicle Weight = 9,000 lbs
Towing Capacity = 5,000 lbs
Payload = 3,420 lbs
The 147.6” Extended Wheelbase Ford Transit Dimensions:
Overall Length = 263.9"
Overall Height = 109.4"
Interior Standing Height = 81.5"
Interior Cargo Length = 172.2"
Interior Width = 75.6"
Gross Vehicle Weight = 9,000 lbs
Towing Capacity = 5,000 lbs
Payload = 3,420 lbs