Model against model
Ford Transit Custom vs Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van
Two models people put on the same shortlist. Every figure below is sourced, and where one side has a specification the other does not publish, the row is left out rather than filled with a guess.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
| 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) |
Only specifications published for both models appear here. Full Ford Transit Custom figures and full Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van figures.
Choose 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.
Figures shown for L1H1 and L2H1 front-wheel-drive diesel derivatives; an all-wheel-drive-badged 320 electric variant is also offered with a lower max trailer weight of 2300 kg.
Full specifications →Choose the Panel Van if...
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.
Payload figures are for standard-roof (H2) PRO/SELECT trims at 3.5t GVW (314/316/319 CDI) and the heavier 417 (4.0t) and 515/517/519 (5.0t) derivatives; H1 and H3 roof options carry different volumes.
Full specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Ford Transit Custom and the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van?
Ford Transit Custom: 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. Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van: 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.
Are these figures reliable?
Every figure on this page was read off a manufacturer or established dealer page and is linked to its source. Anything we could not verify is left out rather than estimated. Specifications change by model year and configuration, so confirm with the supplier before relying on them.
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.