Ford Transit vs Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford Transit
From $69,990
Van
Diesel
Diesel
121kW
8.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
9000L
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
From $79,900
Van
Diesel
Diesel
110kW
8.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
14000L
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter opens at $79,900. That makes the Ford Transit the more affordable entry point by $9,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $76,989 and $87,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Transit features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Ford Transit gets cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers vinyl.
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit uses a Diesel producing 121kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter responds with a Diesel making 110kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Ford Transit has the clear power advantage at 121kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Transit measures 5,981mm long on a 3,750mm wheelbase, 986mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at 6,967mm (4,325mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 9000L in the Ford Transit and 14000L in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, giving the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter a 5000L advantage.
For towing, the Ford Transit leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
14.4m diameter
Large
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Ford Transit and $2,508/year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Ford Transit.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Ford Transit) vs $2,508 (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter). The Ford Transit saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit) vs 5 years / 250,000km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Transit takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Ford Transit will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The Ford Transit is the cheapest at $69,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by $9,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Transit uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the largest boot at 14000L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit makes the most power at 121kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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