Fastest van track battle: Transit vs Sprinter
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ส.ค. 2014
- We set out to answer the question that has set van man against van man for generations. Which is faster, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit?
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Only watching this to improve my driving because Amazon's expectations are ridiculous.
I think you should of used a dualy sprinter, as that would be a more equal comparison. It also looks like the dual wheels on the transit gives it an advantage in the corners imo
Strong springs too
This comparison was flawed from the beginning. The vans should have similar lengths and suspensions. If one has dualies then both should.
+blk jet agreed
I totally agree and just posted a comment about that a couple mins ago. I found the dual wheel on the transit probably helped it in the corners, by producing more over steer, rather than under steer. That is just my opinion tho, and not sure how others feel on this comparison?
and the sprinter chasis is now 10 years old (its only a restyling) and the transit is brand new.
Whose fault is that? Sprinter is utterly rubbish, should be called the Black Death van. No wonder the handling is rubbish it shares the front suspension with a Bedford ha van. Clutches are a doddle though, useful to know. Owners will change lots.
Transit has more grip in the rear double air.. And do the test again with a ton in de back
transit 155bhp and dual wheel
speinter 130bhp single wheel.
+Komir Shtem Its for the loading capacity.....
+Komir Shtem Permissible maximum mass:
Transit: 4600 kg
Sprinter: 3880 kg
Komir Shtem, unfair test the sprinters a better van
Anything above 3,5 t needs a lkv license to drive and they are limited to 95 km/h
In Poland you can order Transit 470 with factory reduction to 3,5t than you will have a 350 hd. In other words, it`s transit for heavier loads.
Nothing is quicker than a rental Transit
i agree
try getting your hand on a mercedes sprinter 212d they burn transits off i had 130 mph out of mine
adam Robinson
lol
Or a stolen one.
I own a 312 sprinter for 15 years, and it does 90 mph max. i do know that there was a "longer"
rear axle available, but no way that one could do 130mph. 112mph max, so your speedometer
must be broken, because the fail often and even i had to fix mine 3 times.
not fair having the twin wheel vs single wheel
To all those saying its a pointless test, it isnt a pointless test.
For the bank robbers of the world this is really important. The Transit was the most used van for bank robberies in the UK and they need to know if there a better alternative lol
Gareth Wood shut up
Charlie-talbot Talbot triggered much?
there are better alternatives: get a job
hahaha
💯💯😂😂😂👏👏👏
Just watched a few shows, great job. Can't wait for pt. 2 of the MX 5/Boxter battle! Subbed!
You guys in Europe are lucky to have your choice of automatic and manual transmissions in new pick-ups and vans. Here in the U.S everything you buy has an automatic transmission.
i wish my f150 had a 6 spd manual option
roywhiteo5 I wish it did too.
I wish I lived in us most things here are manual I'd kill for a auto pickup
Dave Berkovits You do know that US vans and cars are MUCH MUCH more powerful, right? A US Transit even with an automatic gearbox is a BEAST compared to our whimpy DPF fitted ones.
DPF murdered performance on any vehicle - and there is no end in sight.
People said even stricter laws are on the way for Europe.
So... yeah, we envy YOU, for having proper, fast, powerful cars, vans.
I would give up transmission any day just to have enough power.
Dave Berkovits But you also get v8s in your vans and pickups, we have 4 cylinders in most
This test is stupid and unfair. The vans should have the most similar layouts possible. The reason why the Transit handled better is because it had a dual wheel rear axle and the Sprinter didn't. The sprinter was also a lot longer. They should have both been like the Sprinter with a single rear axle in a RWD format.
i agree with you!
i have a Mercedes Sprinter 511 with double wheels and it handles better than with simple wheels
The 313 has only about 130 HP
They should drive a 318 or a 319 to see what a Sprinter can do!
Yep or even a 515, lol.
Bjork Vlogdok i agree
The sprinter isn't as tall, therefore has a lower centre of gravity. That balances it out so its fair.
+Bjork Vlogdok The LWB transit is roughly the same length as the LWB Sprinter
You guys are out of your Minds :D I like your videos.
thats the best video i have ever seen, props to you bud driving that crazy , how didnt you tip the vans lol!!
Video was epic,please do more if these,do City car track battle next ;)
I didnt think I'd enjoy this... but I did! Fun video!
For almost a year, I was set to buy a Sprinter. Compared, test drove, watch all the youtube vids, read as much as I could.. then, I spoke to an old family friend who is a certified Mercedes mechanic for as long as I have been alive, and drives Mercs. He said the Sprinter is the only Merc he won't endorse. I was stunned. He gave his reasons, and I asked which van to go with, and he said Transit. I would never guess him to recommend Ford ever. Then said the Transit is outselling Sprinter in Europe.
I got my Med/Med Transit Van in June. I love the pick up on it, and it was a blast to drive in the Colorado Mountains back in August. I hung a hammock in it. :)
Did you get the diesel or one of the gas engines? Thanks!
Jim of Ann Arbor I was going to do a build this past summer, and get the Diesel with windows all around, but when I stepped up, building was done for 2016, and the 2017's no longer had the windows for the cargo van as an option, so I bought used.
Eco Boost 6cyl gas.
Deanna Szuter , I really think the sprinter is better though, they refuse to die and there's so many more older models than there is older transits left.
Mechanical Madness Do you have one? Again Not according to my Father's Best friend who was a Merc cert mechanic all my life. And I'm 48 years old. He said don't get it. First time I've ever heard that. I'll take the advice of a mechanic I've known all my life to the opinion of some guy who says "I really think the springer is better". I'm happy with the Transit. It's a 2015, so I'll have it for the next 15 years barring anything horrible..
The pick up is amazing, and it doesn't top out at 82mph!!
@@santadog9how’s that transit doing 7 years later?
Good Battle!
Used to have a '06 Transit Medium Wheel Base - Full Height 2.3lt Petrol for my business. I bought it brand new and let me tell you from times to times I would drive it myself as well and it would make me smile! That thing was serious fun to drive! My driver told me that he thought it was actually way better than his Opel Astra! I couldn't agree more. It had a really well sorted out chassis, really good steering and brake feel. Keep in mind that my personal car was a quite rapid hot hatch so it was a surprise to actually find some love in a....van! LOL
They should make an AMG van from Merc
Navneet Murti Mercedes make a Brabus spec, in the Vito... over 200 bhp
Apart from the fact it wouldn't sell a 500+bhp van would be awesome. Also it would just be a bigger r63 amg
They did. A V8 biturbo 503 bhp! Amg sprinter 63S look it up. It's wicked
Then Ford makes a transit raptor
That Transit sounds lovely. Very enjoyable to watch
This was very helpful. I need a work Van and i have a habit of being late. No More.
This looks so fun!
Nice review - I will add that the Sprinter is almost a 20 year old chassis design where the Transit was all new from the ground up.
Surprisingly entertaining
Wow, to actually see someone enjoying driving a van fast? I thought I'd never see this... pretty cool.
There was no point in this, but it was damn entertaining.
Why did they put a mercedes sprinter with a weakest engine and without dual wheels, that is not a fair comparison. Mercedes have vans with dual wheels, and faster engine too.
TMFM458 LOL the Transit comes with the ecoboost twin turbo gas engine...315 horse...it will leave any sprinter in the dust.
1 2 It doesn't in Europe. There the sprinter's got the advantage with its Turbodiesel V6.
for equal price comparison?
Yeah but the Transit is still on top
Every turn he took i was like.. Now it will roll..Right here.. Oh close
This is excellent, fun and kinda serious.
Bit unfair - a 130bhp Sprinter against a 155bhp Transit! Surely the 316 Sprinter with 160bhp would have been a better match?
I'd like to see the Sprinter 319 V6 4x4 go round in low-roof, SWB form. Bet it'd cut those times down by 10-15 seconds!
Good point!
you need more than just power around a technical circuit like this. The 316 Sprinter might come closer to the transit, but there is no way in the world that it would cut 10-15 seconds off the lap time, because that would land you right into MX-5 territory.
I think they were looking more at price too!
they're at the same price point so its fair
I have already tried it
Ford wins, no doubt
I just came to see if someone else had as much fun driving a transit as I do driving one everyday.
It has to be the greatest introduction to rear wheel drive ever.
I don’t even know what car delivers as much enjoyment just puttering around town without ever really having to exceed 60mph.
A Miata maybe?
more van track battles :)
Wow, watching this video I've got a great idea. What if you'd equip vans with the same seating arrangement as the McLaren F1? Since there are three seats already the only issue would be the connection of the steering wheel to the front wheels. But you'll be getting some mad handling
Geeat video! I would LOVE to see a Transit Connect vs a Fiat Doblo!
no doubt the twin rear wheel transit had thr edge with more grip on the road...
Always loved the Transit, but I would also like to see a comparison that included the smaller passenger Transit, now called Transit Custom, in the 3.2L TDCi/Power Stroke I5 (rear wheel and 4wheel drive configurations) and/or the petrol 3.7L Cyclone V6 rear wheel drive
We do not have those big engines here in Europe ;) And the Transit Custom is always front wheel drive here.
Ha ha ha ha ............still laughing. This is truly entertaining!. Thanks.
Im sure you can turn traction control off, in the menu on the screen in the Instrument cluster. if its anything like a focus menu etc
sickest review ever.
Is this for bank robbers?
MS Also Ford Transit Prisoners Van in the US.
I see +Bjork Vlogdok also made the same observation - it does make sense to make sure that the 2 dueling vans as close as possible specs.
looks like great fun chap!..lol
think you guys could do an ambulance vs a police van? ;)
This is how delivery drivers blast round by my house
I've had my Transit for nearly three years & love it to bits which I never thought I ever could.Ford have definitely upped their game.
Update please. Come on Nick how many things have broken and how many times have you been screwed trying to get them fixed.
@@doctorboy5892 we have a 2018 at my work ive put over 100,000km on it, no issues so far..
@@doctorboy5892 they are extremely reliable and cheap and easy to work on if needed.
@@uppertributaries What are? I have forgotten what I wrote.
Please do another test based on the 2019 models
Let's see a follow up with the New FORD AWD and Sprinters 4X4!
On which circuit is this video recorded?
I love the Sprinter and recently i rented a transit and love it too. Both are excellent
I think the Mercedes is much better looking than the Ford. Only the smaller Transits look good. These hi-tops looks odd personally.
u guessed it
From the back yes the biggest transit looks ugly
Adam Shellard o yeh! Thats right🤔
No one buys a van for its looks, no one.
Adam Shellard yaah
These two seems just perfect, what do I do? pick one blindfolded?
Can you really compare a doolie with a non-doolie? Double tires in the back (Ford ONLY) changes the ride completely - and would for Mercedes as well. Would have liked to see a more even match - because we are actually trying to make up our minds right now on this question. Thanks though for a great battle!
Yes and a 316 sprinter needs to be used for comparison. Maybe someone is a bit bias here
this is going to be the van i get if i ever get one new lol
1:25 Driving the van like he'd drive a wheelchair!
A car journalist having fun without drifting...
Photo Turkish hahahaha
Should do it again but include the equivenen Peugeot/Citroen and Iveco offerings
Good times for sure...
they should do pickups next
Also i have to wonder, if you pulled the fuse to the stability control in the transit (since you cant turn it off) would it flop over onto its side? It rolls a TON more than the sprinter, and is faster.
Interesting. I used to drive cabs in Brisbane, Australia. I did at one time drive Maxi Taxis, yes, the vomit comet. My boss had a Sprinter, and a Transit. Two things to say. (1) With the options we had, the Sprinter handled well, not quite sportscar, but way closer than you'd think. The Transit thought it was a Greyhound Bus. Now that said, in pouring rain and when grip got very, VERY bad, the transit got better, but on anything like a normal dry road, the Sprinter KILLED it. (2) Both these beasts come in a bewildering array of options. Doing a normal test of a car would be easy. Comparing two cars would be fairly easy. Comparing two cars that come in many different varieties, get's harder. In a case like this, all you can do is state very clearly what the options are on the one(s) you have, and compare them. I did always wish the Sprinter I had, had a lot more power, because it was quite fun to drive. You just had to get used to the size of it. I had a long running fantasy I used to giggle over, of hiding a twin turbo V8 under one....
Every dpd driver be watching this saying i smash that time 🐐😂😂
And for our next logically sound comparison video..
Best salad tossing hair-dryer model: Braun vs Vidal Sassoon
So which one should I take to beat Nurburgring records?
Definitely the Transit
Neither of those... You should take a VW Transporter with the 200hp gas engine, 4 motion and DSG gearbox. Will be less practical though :-D
The current lap record for vans on the Nürburgring was made with a Ford Transit which was driven by Sabine Schmitz for Top Gear. She did it in 10min 8sec, which is faster then most normal driver go around there with their Porsches and stuff. You have to watch the video it is just funny to see how she overtakes everybody in a van.
Transit P1
just use the xj 220 swapped top gear version of the transit
What's the equivalent measures for the engine in US measurements? As in horsepower and pound-feet of torque
4:36-You are killing me...!
Didn't think I'd say that but the Transit wins in the field of looks! I've had my driving license for 7 months but still haven't driven a van, I really want to give it a try! :D
Its great fun, I find driving them easier than a car
You all should try that same test with a Chevrolet Express or GMC Savanah Van!
We test the 470 L4H3 version in the base trim.
Can you drift any of those of you want to ?
The transit can be had here in North America with the ecoboost turbo v6. In the van, it's detuned for 300 ish horsepower. A lot more is possible.
Nothing handles like a Sprinter, very very stable and confidence inspiring at high speed. The Transit is nimble in slow stuff but makes one very nervous at speed. As someone who does thousands of miles a week in a way you'd never expect a van to be driven, I know.
Your right, I know we run both vans
But you got to remember that's the long wheelbase like you said
They're unfairly compared imho. The rear wheel setup makes quite a bit of difference, the transit probably has a heavier rear axle and beefed up springs as well.
Just to add: I think the ford is the better van to drive, even with a normal rear wheel set up.
I did think that. The Transit showed a 5t chassis, but he said it has a 1t load carry? Does that mean it's not a 5t chassis, but you can opt for twin rear wheels on the 3.5?
now do an RS5 vs an M5 comparo - visiting ikea to buy and take home a flat pack kitchen. It makes as much sense :)
Why you guys didn't use a sprinter with dual rear wheels like the Transit.
I wish Ford, Dodge, Mercedes etc would offer a standard transmission in our vans here in the US...I like rowing thru the shifter when I'm driving a truck.
This was scary.
dually vs single set up comparison?
Normally I would choose a vehicle but these are a few of my favorite car companys.
When I rented a van I have to admit there pretty fun!
Work for FedEx here and drive both the ford transit and Mercedes sprinter utilizing both of their gear shifters and both have dual clutch transmissions
Ford transit does perform better imo, corners better, more dynamic, responsive, powerful, and rigid.
Sprinters on the other hand have softer independent suspension, so they do flow through corners but bounce like crazy making it difficult to maintain traction for both tires. I’ve only driven diesel sprinters so there’s less power but when the turbo kicks in it’s fun af and fuel efficiency is much better. Tbh I fun sprinters more fun to drive, it requires more finesse with throttle control to fling the rear into a corner but also note that they are longer and come with much larger wheels. Also, they require a lot of maintenance that FedEx contractors don’t usually set time or money into.
In summary, performance winner is transit but imo sprinters are more fun. Glad this video is out there to put my opinion out there considering I spent lots of time comparing the two vehicles
Best track battle ever!
Finally one that you don't know the outcome before the test ever begun! :)
I am really surprised how stable vans are these days, I remember in the early 90s being a passenger in my friends van finding it scary as he went round sharp corners because of huge body roll.
Under 301 club =)) that vid was fun
Auto Express never seem to do absolutely like for like tests, however I had a 2013 Ford Transit Custom double cab Limited and I had a friend who had a similar age Mercedes Vito, have to say the Transit beat the Vito hands down in every way, don't remember driving anything that was so lethal going around corners in the wet as the Vito, reminded me of driving an old Ford Thames van.
stability control? whats that?
Obviously sponsored add. A really bad comparison. Auto Express is the looser here...
My 2020 sprinter has been in the shop more than on the road 😰
Let's see some fully loaded track test's if your going to mention the carry weight. Im sure we would see at least 1 go over if not both
Really wish you had a faster Sprinter.
wow he is soo brave :) I wouldnt dare to push a van like this too scary
I thought you could do better than this))),,, I Like The Video ,Lets Transit!
Thanks!
I'd like to see a V10 Econoline van in this comparison. It'd handle like a dump truck, but they have some damn impressive power, as you'd imagine.
You should try the new sprinter
When Sprinters first came out they were well named, those things could shift for such a big lump of metal.
Wow the Ford rotates ever nice for its size. I can't tell it's sharp handling. Interesting
Only 1.1 tonnes payload? In a vehicle that size? I'd be terrified of being caught overloaded. My 1980's Sherpa 250 took 1.2 tonnes, legally, and it was half this size.
The low payload rating is due to European laws on goods vehicles and driving license classes, which go by the gross weight of the van. On a normal car license in Europe you're only allowed to drive up to 3.5 tons, any more you need a LGV license. Also anything over 3.5t used for commercial purposes needs a tachograph and all the regulations that go with those. As I understand it on a normal US car license you can drive anything up to 26k lbs (12.5 ton). Some US pickup trucks would be classed as LGV's here in Europe due to a
Posture man!!!
I'm not convinced, given the difference in costs that this was a very equal test. A comparison using mechanically similar specs would perhaps have been more objective. I would have preferred for them to have had the same axle setup, length, if possible similar payload capacity and equalish power to get a better idea. What about a run round a track with a 500 to 750kg payload just because we rarely run empty... I was very impressed with the reliability of my transit but I'm but one person and I'm not going piss on other people's choices or preferences.
Nice
i dont know why you think twerking in your seat will make the car go faster