Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.
Nothing like running numbers on the least track-worthy vehicle this side of a John Deere combine. At just over 8 feet high, the Dodge Sprinter looks more like a civilian UPS truck than something you should consider driving on a daily basis. But drive one and you'll be pleasantly surprised at its competence.
You see, the Dodge Sprinter is essentially a rebadged Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle. It has a turbocharged diesel V6 and an interior you might recognize if you've ever been in a late-'80s E-Class. It mixes MacPherson struts up front with a solid axle in back, and the brakes use discs at each corner. None of it is exactly cutting-edge, but it's not a farm implement either.
In fact, the Sprinter was faster through the slalom than the last Mercedes-Benz G550 we tested. It also stops shorter from 60 mph than a Honda Pilot. Its diesel engine doesn't do it any favors when it comes to acceleration, but it does give the Sprinter a 5,000-pound tow rating. Oh, and by the way, it also seats 12. Numbers after the jump.
Vehicle: 2007 Dodge Sprinter Van 2500
Odometer: 7,438
Date: 08/16/08
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: $43,300
Specifications:
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic
Engine Type: V6
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 2,987cc (182 cu-in)
Redline (rpm): N/A
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 154 @ 3,400
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 280 @ 1,200
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Disc
Steering System: Power steering
Suspension Type (front): MacPherson strut
Suspension Type (rear): Solid live axle
Tire Size (front): 245/75R16
Tire Size (rear): 245/75R16
Tire Brand: Continental
Tire Model: Vanco Four Season
Tire Type: All-season
Wheel Size: 16-by-6.5 inches front and rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): Steel
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 5,883
Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 5.0
0 - 45 (sec): 8.9
0 - 60 (sec): 14.8
0 - 75 (sec): N/A
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 19.4 @ 68.8
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): N/A
30 - 0 (ft): 35
60 - 0 (ft): 141
Braking Rating: Good
Slalom (mph): 52.0
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0 .61
Handling Rating: Average
Db @ Idle: 49.0
Db @ Full Throttle: 71.1
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 74.3
Acceleration Comments: Excellent torque between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. Power delivery is appropriate for this vehicle and feels quite good. Power braking does help acceleration. Transmission toggles nicely between gears in manual mode.
Braking Comments: Surprisingly effective brake pedal. Solid, consistent feel over several stops.
Handling Comments: Skid pad: Stability control is quite conservative and won't relinquish control once activated. Slalom: Steering is accurate and surprisingly quick - better than some Mercedes-Benz cars. Body roll is well-controlled considering the height of the vehicle.
_carrera says:
08:17 PM, 05/12/09
A 2007 model? A bit late to the game, no?
It looks like you could stand up in the passenger compartment.
fst1 says:
09:21 PM, 05/12/09
A little late yes, but not much has changed in subsequent years so we figured there was no harm in it.
orangutan says:
02:38 AM, 05/13/09
Interesting stuff, but I've been trying to figure out what kind of mileage that diesel returns in the Sprinter. I'm sure it's better than the laughable domestic E-series and such offerings but who actually knows? No one has published numbers or done a real test on it.
tryan says:
04:06 AM, 05/13/09
So now, load it up as if it WERE a UPS delivery truck and see how it does in the slalom....THAT would be interestingly whimsical...=)
Nice fake burnout by the way, it would be believable if it weren't for the noticeable difference in wheel size...=)
tate3 says:
04:32 AM, 05/13/09
By god it is a fake burnout!! my my talk about fair press reporting! are we not too late for 1st April?
zoomzoomn says:
04:49 AM, 05/13/09
0 - 75 (sec): N/A
Translation: Good luck! :)
rsholland says:
06:32 AM, 05/13/09
What's the fuel mileage?
What's the top speed?
huyracing says:
07:26 AM, 05/13/09
that is badass! if only i had friends or family... then it'd make sense to get one.
artgpo says:
07:32 AM, 05/13/09
I drive a 2007 and 2008 Sprinter 3500 series (the rael BIG one) part time. The vans go all over the country and get lots of miles. The average on the highway for these beasts is 16 mpg, about 10 - 12 city. They ride nice for such a large vehicle and are actually pretty peppy.
fuhteng says:
07:37 AM, 05/13/09
This is cool. I love the crack at other MBs (:
brn says:
08:09 AM, 05/13/09
orangutan, your laughable E-series costs less, seats 15, tows more, and is more durable.
I like the Sprinter, but the E-series has a lot going for it too
yellowmiata says:
08:38 AM, 05/13/09
Heh, if the burnout wasn't fake, then the rear differential is really earning its keep and this vehicle desperately needs an LSD.
noburgers says:
09:39 AM, 05/13/09
Another fake burnout hint: the van has no driver! You have to wonder how smart it was to call it a "Sprinter" with that kind of performance....
rsholland says:
09:50 AM, 05/13/09
How 'bout adding a fake "wheelie" too? :)
altimadude00 says:
11:29 AM, 05/13/09
"Nice fake burnout by the way, it would be believable if it weren't for the noticeable difference in wheel size."
You never know....All that rubber might have gone up in smoke!
Appreciate a little fun, guys!
subytrojan says:
01:15 PM, 05/13/09
If anyone knows of any videos showing Sprinters rolling over, I'd love to see them! :o)
magile says:
06:16 PM, 05/14/09
Just can't flip a Sprinter!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rlk3tlAhhE
Cheers, M.
renssils says:
06:19 PM, 05/14/09
My company has three Sprinters, all of which have been reliable, durable, cost-effetcive, and utile, and is planning to buy more. The drivers prefer them to our Dodge, Ford, and Chevy workvans. Opel, Fiat, Renault, Ford, and other manufacturers make similar vehicles, none of which are offered in the USA. Let's hope that other manufacturers offer competitive trucks in the USA.