Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter?
Two large vans side by side, by equivalent version. Below are the dimensions in one table, where they differ and who each model suits. We sell both, so this is not a choice we make for you.
The dimensions by equivalent version
Each version is paired with the version of the other model that comes closest in load volume. That way you compare a medium-sized one with a medium-sized one, not with an extra-long one.
| Size | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2018-present | Volkswagen Crafter2017-present |
|---|---|---|
| L1H1 versus L3H2 | ||
| Load length | 261 cm | 345 cm |
| Load width | 179 cm | 183 cm |
| Between wheel arches | 135 cm | 138 cm |
| Load height | 179 cm | 173 cm |
| Load volume | 7,8 m³ | 9,9 m³ |
| Euro pallets | 3 | 3 |
| Overall length | 527 cm | 599 cm |
| Exterior height | 239 cm | 236 cm |
| Max. weight | 3000 – 3500 kg | 3000 – 3500 kg |
| Payload | 900 – 1413 kg | 900 – 1500 kg |
| L1H2 versus e-Crafter L3H3 | ||
| Load length | 261 cm | 345 cm |
| Load width | 179 cm | 183 cm |
| Between wheel arches | 135 cm | 138 cm |
| Load height | 201 cm | 186 cm |
| Load volume | 8,8 m³ | 10,7 m³ |
| Euro pallets | 3 | 3 |
| Overall length | 527 cm | 599 cm |
| Exterior height | 262 cm | 259 cm |
| Max. weight | 3000 – 3500 kg | 3500 kg |
| Payload | 900 – 1400 kg | 950 – 1000 kg |
| L2H1 versus L3H3 | ||
| Load length | 327 cm | 345 cm |
| Load width | 179 cm | 183 cm |
| Between wheel arches | 135 cm | 138 cm |
| Load height | 179 cm | 186 cm |
| Load volume | 9,5 m³ | 11,3 m³ |
| Euro pallets | 4 | 3 |
| Overall length | 593 cm | 599 cm |
| Exterior height | 239 cm | 259 cm |
| Max. weight | 3000 – 4100 kg | 3000 – 3500 kg |
| Payload | 900 – 1329 kg | 900 – 1500 kg |
| L2H2 versus L4H3 | ||
| Load length | 327 cm | 430 cm |
| Load width | 179 cm | 183 cm |
| Between wheel arches | 135 cm | 138 cm |
| Load height | 201 cm | 196 cm |
| Load volume | 11,0 m³ | 14,4 m³ |
| Euro pallets | 4 | 4 |
| Overall length | 593 cm | 684 cm |
| Exterior height | 262 cm | 259 cm |
| Max. weight | 3000 – 4100 kg | 3500 – 5000 kg |
| Payload | 900 – 1237 kg | 1000 – 2000 kg |
| L3H2 versus L4H4 | ||
| Load length | 431 cm | 430 cm |
| Load width | 179 cm | 183 cm |
| Between wheel arches | 135 cm | 138 cm |
| Load height | 201 cm | 219 cm |
| Load volume | 14,0 m³ | 16,1 m³ |
| Euro pallets | 5 | 4 |
| Overall length | 697 cm | 684 cm |
| Exterior height | 262 cm | 280 cm |
| Max. weight | 3500 – 5500 kg | 3500 – 5000 kg |
| Payload | 1000 – 2998 kg | 1000 – 2000 kg |
| L3H3 versus L5H3 | ||
| Load length | 431 cm | 486 cm |
| Load width | 179 cm | 183 cm |
| Between wheel arches | 135 cm | 138 cm |
| Load height | 224 cm | 196 cm |
| Load volume | 15,5 m³ | 16,4 m³ |
| Euro pallets | 5 | 5 |
| Overall length | 697 cm | 739 cm |
| Exterior height | 283 cm | 259 cm |
| Max. weight | 3500 – 5500 kg | 3500 – 5000 kg |
| Payload | 1000 – 2900 kg | 1000 – 2000 kg |
| L4H2 versus L5H4 | ||
| Load length | 471 cm | 486 cm |
| Load width | 179 cm | 183 cm |
| Between wheel arches | 135 cm | 138 cm |
| Load height | 201 cm | 220 cm |
| Load volume | 15,5 m³ | 18,4 m³ |
| Euro pallets | 5 | 5 |
| Overall length | 737 cm | 739 cm |
| Exterior height | 262 cm | 280 cm |
| Max. weight | 3500 – 5500 kg | 3500 – 5000 kg |
| Payload | 1000 – 2900 kg | 1000 – 2000 kg |
Dimensions in centimetres, manufacturer figures for the closed panel van. "approx." = indication based on one source. Conversions such as a box body or refrigeration unit change the load area; the registration certificate is decisive.
Where they differ
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Load volume from 7,8 m³ to 15,5 m³ across the compared versions.
- In the largest version approximately 2,9 m³ less load volume; but shorter or lower, which can make a difference in the city.
- Load length up to 471 cm.
- Approximately 15 cm less load length in the longest version.
- Between the wheel arches 135 cm: a Euro pallet fits through crossways.
- In the highest version 224 cm load height: you can stand upright.
Volkswagen Crafter
- Load volume from 9,9 m³ to 18,4 m³ across the compared versions.
- In the largest version approximately 2,9 m³ more load volume.
- Load length up to 486 cm.
- Approximately 15 cm more load length in the longest version.
- Between the wheel arches 138 cm: a Euro pallet fits through crossways.
- In the highest version 220 cm load height: you can stand upright.
These points come from the manufacturer figures for both models. They do not say which model is better: which size or payload you need depends on your work.
Which one suits whom?
Choose first on what you carry: the length of your longest load, the number of Euro pallets and whether you need to be able to stand upright in the load area. Only then look at the brand. Both models below do the same work; the difference lies in the details of the dimensions, the payload and what is for sale at the time.
Not sure? Tell us what you carry and how often, and we will work out which version fits. Both models are at our site in Mijdrecht, so you can view and measure them side by side.
Both models in stock
37× Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
6× Volkswagen Crafter
Frequently asked questions
Which of the two is better?
That question has no general answer. Both are large vans that do the same work; which suits you best depends on your load, your budget and what is for sale at the time. We sell both and do not choose for you.
Can I view them side by side?
Usually, yes. There are 400+ vehicles at our site in Mijdrecht; call ahead with the two versions you would like to see, and we will have them ready so you can measure up and get in.
Can I compare versions other than those shown above?
Yes. In the comparison tool you choose two to four versions yourself, including from other brands or two sizes of the same model.