Merc Vs Fiat (2015)

BreweryDave

BreweryDave

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Opinions please!

Specs for new van (Frankia 840) - to include either the new fiat chassis with 3.0L engine (180hp) or the merc standard 163hp ??? (On the 5.3T chassis for merc - 5T for the fiat)
Both with (probably) an auto box. Priced about the same. (Hence not the merc 190hp which is an extra £3.5k !)

Am leaning towards the merc for the rear wheel drive and only 2 axles instead of the tag - but value your opinions !
(I think I like the merc cab better too - less clutter!)

Use will be for continued FT around Europe for many years and lots of miles!
 
The Merc Autobox is a 7 speeder (possibly 8 speed for next year, I think) and absolutely superb.
 
JJ said:
I wouldn't have a FWD motorhome even if it was free.


JJ :cool:
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I suppose they are all right as long as you dont leave tarmac :D. No use whatsoever to a rufty tufty.

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Having had both Merc and Fiat autos my advice would be to go for the Merc.
The Merc is a proper auto with a torque converter not an automated manual with a clutch. And the rear wheel drive is definitely preferable. You shouldn't suffer from body roll either with the twin rear wheels (the single rear wheel Mercs are quite softly sprung).
We had a 4tonne Merc with the 2.2 150 bhp engine and auto box and it went beautifully. The auto was as smooth as silk.
We now have a 5 tonne Fiat with the 3litre 195bhp Comfortmatic box. It goes well but FWD can be a nightmare on grass or steep slopes and we occasionally get clutch overheating warnings when trying to manoeuvre slowly in tight spaces.
 
BreweryDave said:
Opinions please!

Specs for new van (Frankia 840) - to include either the new fiat chassis with 3.0L engine (180hp) or the merc standard 163hp ??? (On the 5.3T chassis for merc - 5T for the fiat)
Both with (probably) an auto box. Priced about the same. (Hence not the merc 190hp which is an extra £3.5k !)

Am leaning towards the merc for the rear wheel drive and only 2 axles instead of the tag - but value your opinions !
(I think I like the merc cab better too - less clutter!)

Use will be for continued FT around Europe for many years and lots of miles!
Click to expand...


I am with you on all points, go for the Merc every time, RWD and single rear axle, but at the kind of money you are chucking at this, go for the engine upgrade as well , you might regret not doing it (y)



Looking forward to comparing notes next week
 
All as above ++++++
The cruise controle also has a limiter.
IMO the best limiter on any car/motorhome

But i thought Merc had stopped with Sprinter chassis only to the motorhome industry
Mel
 
BreweryDave said:
Correct - 7 speed merc auto.
Click to expand...

(y)(y)(y)

meor said:
All as above ++++++
The cruise controle also has a limiter.
IMO the best limiter on any car/motorhome

But i thought Merc had stopped with Sprinter chassis only to the motorhome industry
Mel
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The Merc Speed limiter is very good indeed - use it a lot in my car.

I wouldn't bother with the 3 litre myself apart from the fact that it sounds wonderful (OK, sold to the duck) the power and torque increase is quite good but anecdotally it is a lot thirstier. Only driven a car with the V6 auto, though.
 
I have the 3lt downrated in the Viano to 204bhp
lovely engine.
But does not like to pass fuel stations as its always thirsty.

Mel

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DuxDeluxe said:
(y)(y)(y)



The Merc Speed limiter is very good indeed - use it a lot in my car.

.
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We have Mercedes cars and MH, the speed limit function in the cars is brilliant, really slowing the car down even on gradients, nowhere near as good in MH, but that might be because our MH is 59 reg and the cars newer, but might be because the van gearbox is a bit more basic
 
Speed limiter ???

......obviously something different to a beep when you go over X mph!

What does it do ???
 
DuxDeluxe said:
The Merc Autobox is a 7 speeder (possibly 8 speed for next year, I think) and absolutely superb.
Click to expand...

There were some problems with installing the new 7 speed autobox on the Alko chassis..

depending on what chassis you will have with the Frankia we have had a few new vans in on the new sprinter chassis with the old gear boxes unknown to the customer when they ordered I was told.. this is because they dont have the space apparently?? this they were in the process of rectifying so make sure you ask the question if its important to you..

I have had this gear box on 2 of my Mercedes cars and really good apart from it dosent always like slow speeds!! Mercedes always just say it needs an update.. they plug it in and still the same!!!

Rear wheel drive mercedes any day, or dont park on the grass when it rains at the next motorhome fun rally! :D
 
We have the merc auto, it's lovely to drive, we are hoping to buy the same again.
 
jamesvanbitz said:
It actually will stop you going past what ever speed you set it at.. so you can have your foot flat to the flaw and you cant exceed the speed chosen
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Yep, as above it will even slow you down as you progressively reduce the max speed as when approaching a contra flow. Works in 5 mph bits if you flick the lever firmly, 1 mph if you simply touch in down or up. Never used a better bit of kit. Cruise control is the same stalk and just as good
 
Im hoping that the Fiat is a better engine ,cos thats what is in the Arto that we have ordered (y) manual gear box. i personally didnt want the auto option:)
Brian & Jo
 
My Renault based MH that we use every week has a 150hp engine and a 6 speed TipTronic gearbox and its great. Plus if your going down hill whilst braking it'll drop gears to aid you with engine braking
 
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And it has both cruise control plus a speed limiter both accessible on the centre of the steering wheel In addition it has a small instrument screen that tells you (in both modes) what speed you have set

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the Merc - no contest whatsoever , and as somebody already said for £3.5k more on that initial outlay for the 190, then Id say it is money well spent.
 
Dave,

If we were in a position to upgrade our MH, I'd be opting for RWD , ie, Merc or Iveco. (y)

Cheers for now,

Jock. :)
 
Don't be a jerk, get the Merc!! Love my Merc.:)

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Only things I would say about the Merc auto box is the continual hunting for gears at lower speeds. I have a C350, a great car, more than enough power but it does jump a little. I don't know if the MH box is the same. It's not a major problem for me, I don't care but others may think it is a big issue that is why I am mentioning it.
 
makems said:
Having had both Merc and Fiat autos my advice would be to go for the Merc.
The Merc is a proper auto with a torque converter not an automated manual with a clutch. And the rear wheel drive is definitely preferable. You shouldn't suffer from body roll either with the twin rear wheels (the single rear wheel Mercs are quite softly sprung).
We had a 4tonne Merc with the 2.2 150 bhp engine and auto box and it went beautifully. The auto was as smooth as silk.
We now have a 5 tonne Fiat with the 3litre 195bhp Comfortmatic box. It goes well but FWD can be a nightmare on grass or steep slopes and we occasionally get clutch overheating warnings when trying to manoeuvre slowly in tight spaces.
Click to expand...

I have ordered my MH (3650kg) with the comfortmatic box upgraded to 150BHP, hope it's going to be fine. I intend to park in my drive which will require slow manoeuvring in a tight space. I hope it will be fine ?? Apologies if this is hijacking the thread.
 
ABZSteve said:
Only things I would say about the Merc auto box is the continual hunting for gears at lower speeds. I have a C350, a great car, more than enough power but it does jump a little. I don't know if the MH box is the same. It's not a major problem for me, I don't care but others may think it is a big issue that is why I am mentioning it.
Click to expand...
Don't have the problem with mine but it is the C250D
 

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