What To Know
- Whether you’re a business owner seeking a reliable hauler or an adventurer yearning for a spacious camper van, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter are worthy contenders.
- In the realm of interior space and comfort, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter offer generous accommodations for passengers and cargo alike.
- The Ram ProMaster 3500 provides a spacious cargo area with a volume of 530 cubic feet, making it ideal for hauling large items or converting it into a camper van.
In the realm of commercial vans, two titans stand tall: the Ram ProMaster 3500 and the Mercedes Sprinter. Renowned for their versatility, performance, and dependability, these heavy-duty workhorses have carved a niche for themselves in the transportation industry. Whether you’re a business owner seeking a reliable hauler or an adventurer yearning for a spacious camper van, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter are worthy contenders. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two giants, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Power and Performance: A Symphony of Strength
Under the hood, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter pack a punch with their potent engines. The Ram ProMaster 3500 boasts a robust 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine, churning out a respectable 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience, making it a capable hauler even with a full load.
The Mercedes Sprinter, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine. The 2.0L engine generates 188 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for everyday tasks. However, the 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine is the true powerhouse, producing an impressive 188 horsepower and a whopping 325 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides exceptional towing and hauling capabilities, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Payload and Towing: The Measure of a Workhorse
When it comes to payload and towing capacity, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter are neck and neck. The Ram ProMaster 3500 offers a maximum payload capacity of 4,680 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,910 pounds. These figures make it a capable hauler for a wide range of tasks, from transporting cargo to towing trailers.
The Mercedes Sprinter matches the Ram ProMaster 3500 in payload capacity, with a maximum of 4,680 pounds. However, it surpasses the Ram ProMaster 3500 in towing capacity, offering a maximum of 7,500 pounds. This additional towing capacity makes the Sprinter a more versatile option for those who need to tow heavy loads.
Interior Space and Comfort: A Home Away from Home
In the realm of interior space and comfort, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter offer generous accommodations for passengers and cargo alike. The Ram ProMaster 3500 provides a spacious cargo area with a volume of 530 cubic feet, making it ideal for hauling large items or converting it into a camper van. The passenger cabin is also spacious, with comfortable seating for up to 12 passengers.
The Mercedes Sprinter offers a similar level of interior space, with a cargo area volume of 530 cubic feet. However, the Sprinter’s passenger cabin is slightly more refined, with premium materials and amenities that make it a more comfortable place to spend long hours on the road.
Safety and Reliability: A Commitment to Excellence
Safety and reliability are paramount considerations when choosing a commercial van. Both the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Additionally, both vans have received high marks from independent safety organizations, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
In terms of reliability, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter have proven to be dependable workhorses. Both vans have received positive feedback from owners and industry experts, with the Mercedes Sprinter slightly edging out the Ram ProMaster 3500 in terms of long-term reliability.
Price and Value: A Matter of Dollars and Sense
When it comes to price, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter occupy different segments of the market. The Ram ProMaster 3500 has a starting price of around $35,000, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. The Mercedes Sprinter, on the other hand, starts at around $40,000, but its higher price tag is justified by its more refined interior, more powerful engine options, and slightly better reliability.
Ultimately, the decision between the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a capable and affordable workhorse, the Ram ProMaster 3500 is a solid choice. However, if you’re willing to pay a premium for a more refined and powerful van, the Mercedes Sprinter is worth considering.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Titans
In the end, the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter are both excellent choices for those seeking a versatile and dependable commercial van. The Ram ProMaster 3500 is a more affordable option with a spacious interior and a capable powertrain. The Mercedes Sprinter, on the other hand, offers a more refined interior, more powerful engine options, and slightly better reliability.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a capable and affordable workhorse, the Ram ProMaster 3500 is a solid choice. However, if you’re willing to pay a premium for a more refined and powerful van, the Mercedes Sprinter is worth considering.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which van has a more powerful engine?
A: The Mercedes Sprinter offers a more powerful engine option, the 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine, which produces 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which van has a larger cargo area?
A: Both the Ram ProMaster 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter offer a cargo area volume of 530 cubic feet.
Q: Which van has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Mercedes Sprinter has a higher towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, compared to the Ram ProMaster 3500’s 6,910 pounds.
Q: Which van is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Ram ProMaster 3500 is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Mercedes Sprinter, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city/21 mpg highway compared to the Sprinter’s 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway.
Q: Which van is more affordable?
A: The Ram ProMaster 3500 is more affordable than the Mercedes Sprinter, with a starting price of around $35,000 compared to the Sprinter’s $40,000 starting price.