Mercedes-Benz Vito W638 V 230 (143 Hp) Manual 4-speed


Overall Rating

6.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz Vito:

The Mercedes-Benz Vito is a mid-sized light commercial vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz, available as a panel van, chassis cab, or multi-purpose vehicle , carrying cargo or up to eight passengers. In the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, it is positioned between the larger Sprinter and the smaller Citan.
The Vito refers to the cargo van variant for commercial use; when passenger accommodations are substituted for part or all of the load area, it is known as the Vito Traveliner, V-Class or Viano. The Traveliner/V-Class/Viano is a large MPV....(Read more on Wikipedia)

W638 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz Vito (W638). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 2000 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.6 s). The top speed reaches 171 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mercedes-Benz Vito W638 generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features were typical for a commercial vehicle of its era, primarily including ABS.

V 230 (143 Hp) Manual 4-speed Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers decent acceleration, slightly quicker than the 5-speed manual, potentially due to different gear ratios.

Fuel Economy

Likely similar or slightly worse fuel economy than the 5-speed on highways due to higher RPMs at cruising speeds.

Best Use Case: City driving or shorter trips where the 4-speed might feel more responsive, less ideal for long highway journeys.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and versatile interior, ideal for families or commercial use.
  • • Comfortable ride quality for a van, especially on longer journeys.
  • • Good range of engines, including efficient CDI diesels.
  • • Mercedes-Benz badge offers a perception of quality and durability.
  • • Front-wheel drive layout provides good interior space and handling.

Cons:

  • • Prone to rust, particularly around wheel arches and sills.
  • • Older petrol engines are very thirsty, leading to high running costs.
  • • Some electrical issues and build quality concerns reported.
  • • Lack of modern safety features compared to newer vehicles.
  • • Interior plastics can feel utilitarian and show wear over time.

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:Vito
Generation:W638
Modification (Engine):V 230 (143 Hp) Manual 4-speed
Start of production:1996
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:7
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:143 Hp @ 5000 rpm.
Power per litre:62.3 Hp/l
Torque:210 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 111 E 23 / 111.978
Engine displacement:2295
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:7.5 l
Coolant:8.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:90.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13.6 sec
Maximum speed:171 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:14 kg/Hp, 71.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.5 kg/Nm, 105 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2000
Max. weight:2630
Max load:630
Fuel tank capacity:78 l
Size:
Length:4659 mm mm
Width:1880 mm mm
Height:1844 mm mm
Wheelbase:3000 mm mm
Front track:1620 mm
Rear (Back) track:1630 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 195/70 R15
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 6J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

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