Mercedes-Benz Vito W638 V 230 (143 Hp) Manual 5-speed
Overall Rating
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 14.5 s). The top speed reaches 174 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
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 5-speed Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily driving and light loads, but acceleration is leisurely, especially when fully laden.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, particularly in urban environments, making it less economical for frequent use compared to diesel options.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(eVito (W447, Facelift 2019) Long: 2019 - ).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Vito |
| Generation: | W638 |
| Modification (Engine): | V 230 (143 Hp) Manual 5-speed |
| Start of production: | August, 1996 |
| End of production: | February, 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 5000 rpm. [0hp less] |
| Power per litre: | 62.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 210 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 111 E 23 / 111.978 More details about the engine 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: | 16.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 174 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: | 13.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2000 |
| Max. weight: | 2630 |
| Max load: | 630 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 78 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4659 mm mm [481mm less] |
| Width: | 1880 mm mm [48mm less] |
| Height: | 1844 mm mm [101mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3000 mm mm [200mm less] |
| Front track: | 1620 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1630 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/70 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |










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