2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs 2017 Ford Transit in Ohio

Ford Transit cargo vans first hit the market over five decades ago, but most vans were manufactured and released with limited competition. Ford dominated this small segment for quite a while, until Sprinter hit the scene and changed everything in the mid ’90s. No longer was Ford the biggest fish in a small pond. Now, the true competition of industry giants began.

For the last two decades, Sprinter vans have overshadowed Ford as they gave consumers a better choice for their hard earned dollar. Still, most customers wrestle between the two models at some point. And given the sheer number of upgrades, the choice can feel overwhelming. To assist you in your decision, we break down the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs 2017 Ford Transit for you in our guide.

Wheelbase

Cargo vans are built to haul. If you need a lot of space while in transit, you’ll find that the Sprinter is most capable of suiting your needs. Overall, its wheelbase options are much longer than those found in the Ford line-up. The Transit starts with a paltry 129.9-inch wheelbase on regular models, but long wheelbase models can reach up to 147.6 inches. While that may seem impressive at first glance, these specs pale in comparison to the Sprinter. The Sprinter has a wheelbase up to 170 inches which is plenty of space for nearly any job.

Under the Hood

Arguably the biggest advantage that the Sprinter holds over the Transit is found under the hood. Mercedes-Benz introduced a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, and it has since become one of the most popular powertrains. Why? Of course, you’ll get the incredible power that you’d expect from a Sprinter with torque rates at 265 lb-ft compared to the 260 lb-ft of torque on the standard 3.7L V6 of the Ford. But, the diesel engine is also built with BlueEFFICIENCY technology, which lowers emissions and increases fuel economy in one fell swoop!

Interior Space

We’ve mentioned the larger wheelbase on the Sprinter, but just how does that translate into interior space? The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will surprise you with just how much free space it packs into the cabin. If you choose the standard length and standard roof height, you’ll enjoy 319.1 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Ford Transit only has 224.5 cubic feet in its smallest configuration, and you’ll have to upgrade to the extended wheelbase model to get close to the Sprinter’s standard specs. Even then, the Sprinter can pack in 486.5 cubic feet of space into the extended wheelbase, high roof configuration. The Ford Transit just can’t compare.

Visit Vin Devers Autohaus

If you are interested in learning more about what the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can do for you, we highly suggest that you schedule a test drive here at Vin Devers Autohaus. As we now have a couple of the newest 2017 models in stock, nothing stands in your way of checking them out and putting them through the paces for yourself. Believe us when we say, all it will take is a peek behind the versatile doors and a quick spin for you to see exactly why such a growing number of Toledo area residents are choosing the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter over the 2017 Ford Transit.