Head to head
Ford Transit Custom vs Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van
The Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van holds 4.7 cubic metres more and takes loads 77cm (2.5ft) longer.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Load volume: the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van holds 4.7 cubic metres more.
- Load length: the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van takes loads 77cm (2.5ft) longer.
Specifications side by side
| Ford Transit Custom | Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 1079-1207 kg (300 L1H1); 1262-1361 kg (320 L2H1) | 1157-1165 kg (L2H2, 3.5t); 958-966 kg (L4H2, 3.5t); up to 2479 kg (L2H2, 5.0t, 515/517) |
| Load volume | 5.8 m3 (L1H1); 6.8 m3 (L2H1) | 10.5 m3 (L2H2); 14.0 m3 (L3H2); 15.5 m3 (L4H2) |
| Load length | 2602 mm (L1H1); 3002 mm (L2H1) | 3375 mm (L2H2); 4810 mm (L4H2) |
| Gross weight | 3225 kg (320 derivative) | - |
| Towing capacity | 2500-2800 kg (diesel) | - |
Sources: Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the Custom if...
The Transit Custom is the van most UK hire firms stock as their default medium van, and its L1/L2 length and 280/300/320 weight choices cover most trade and removals jobs without stepping up to a large van.
Full Custom specifications →Buy or hire the Panel Van if...
- you want one that holds 4.7 cubic metres more
- you want one that takes loads 77cm (2.5ft) longer
The Sprinter is priced and equipped as the premium choice in the large van class, and its 3.5-5.0t GVW spread with matching payload jumps makes it a common choice for fleets that need heavier derivatives without moving to a 7.5t truck.
Full Panel Van specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Ford Transit Custom and the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van?
The Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van holds 4.7 cubic metres more and takes loads 77cm (2.5ft) longer. The Ford Transit Custom is a medium panel van, Ford's best-selling UK van and the segment benchmark for self-drive hire.; the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van is a large diesel panel van offered from 3.5t to 5.0t GVW, a premium-positioned rival to the Transit and Crafter..
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