Two names dominate the used motorhome market in New Zealand: the Mercedes Sprinter and the Fiat Ducato. Both are capable, widely supported van-based motorhomes, and both appear regularly in New Zealand dealership stock — including ex-rental fleets that have been maintained to a commercial standard. If you are comparing a Mercedes Sprinter motorhome NZ buyers can find against a Fiat Ducato motorhome NZ options, this guide breaks down the real differences so you can choose with confidence.

The Mercedes Sprinter Motorhome

The Mercedes Sprinter has been the preferred base vehicle for premium motorhome conversions globally since the early 2000s. In the New Zealand rental and private market, you will most commonly encounter models built on the Sprinter 313, 316, or 319 platforms, typically diesel with either a five or six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The Sprinters in our stock are Talvor motorhomes built on the Sprinter 513, with a 2.1 litre diesel and a 5-speed automatic. Each listing shows the exact figures for that vehicle.

The Sprinter's primary advantage is its driving dynamics. It rides and steers more like a car than a van, with a relatively light front end, good visibility, and precise steering. For new motorhome drivers particularly, this makes the Sprinter feel approachable despite its size. The cabin is well-appointed by van standards, and the seating position is comfortable on long drives — an important consideration on New Zealand's longer highway runs between Christchurch and Queenstown or Wellington to Northland.

Mechanically, the Sprinter uses the OM651 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in most models found in New Zealand (pre-2019) or the OM654 2.0-litre in later builds. Both are solid, long-lived engines when properly serviced. The key watch-out is the diesel particulate filter (DPF) on city-cycle vehicles — Sprinters that have spent time doing short runs in Auckland or Christchurch urban areas may have DPF issues that require attention. Highway use is much easier on the DPF system.

Servicing costs are at the higher end for a commercial van. Mercedes-Benz dealer servicing is expensive in New Zealand, though the independent specialist market for Sprinter service is strong in both Auckland and Christchurch. Parts availability is good, and the Sprinter has a strong reputation for reaching 300,000+ kilometres when maintained properly.

Common builds on the Sprinter platform in New Zealand include Apollo, Britz, Maui, and Kea conversions from the rental fleet, as well as European imports built by Hymer, Dethleffs, and Carado.

The Fiat Ducato Motorhome

The Fiat Ducato is the workhorse of the European motorhome conversion industry. More motorhomes are built on the Ducato platform worldwide than any other base vehicle, which means the variety of layouts, conversions, and price points available is enormous. In New Zealand, the Ducato is particularly prevalent in the ex-rental fleet and in European motorhome imports.

Our Fiat Ducato campervan stock is 2 berth, built in New Zealand by ACM or by Jayco. Length depends on the builder: 6.1 m for the ACM long wheelbase, 6.4 m for the ACM extra long wheelbase and Jayco. If you want a compact Fiat Ducato campervan that drives like a large van, this is the one to look at.

The Ducato uses a front-wheel-drive layout, unlike the rear-wheel-drive Sprinter. In practical terms this means the Ducato has a tighter turning circle — useful in campsite manoeuvring and urban navigation — but it also means somewhat different weight distribution. Most drivers adapt quickly, though the Ducato's slightly heavier steering feel compared to the Sprinter is frequently noted.

Engine options in New Zealand examples are predominantly the 2.3-litre MultiJet diesel in 120hp, 130hp, or 150hp tunes. The 150hp version provides noticeably better performance on mountain passes and with a full load of passengers and gear. If you are comparing specific vehicles, always check which power variant you are looking at — the difference between a 120hp and 150hp Ducato on the Crown Range or Lewis Pass is significant.

The Ducato's main practical advantage is parts availability and servicing cost. Because it is sold under multiple brand names (Fiat, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroën Relay share the same base), parts are widely available and the independent mechanic network is extensive. Servicing is generally 20–30% cheaper than equivalent Sprinter maintenance.

The Ducato's interior carrying capacity is often slightly larger than a comparable Sprinter, which matters in full-height motorhome conversions where millimetres of interior headroom make a real difference. Conversion builders like Bürstner, Jayco, and Sunliving use the Ducato extensively for this reason.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Is Right for You?

The right choice depends heavily on how and where you plan to use your motorhome.

Choose the Mercedes Sprinter if: You prioritise driving confidence and comfort on long highway runs. You plan predominantly open-road travel between NZ's major regions. You value strong resale performance. You are comfortable paying a premium for the badge and a slightly higher servicing cost. You are buying a higher-spec ex-rental or European import where the Sprinter's refinement genuinely shows.

Choose the Fiat Ducato if: You want more motorhome for your budget — the price differential is real and meaningful. You expect to camp in tight spaces or navigate campsite access roads where a tighter turning circle helps. You want the lowest possible servicing cost and the broadest mechanic network. You are buying a motorhome primarily for the living experience and are less focused on driving dynamics. You are looking at a layout that requires the maximum interior space, particularly headroom.

For most New Zealand buyers in the $60,000–$90,000 range, a well-maintained ex-rental Ducato-based motorhome offers excellent value for money. For buyers spending $90,000 and above, the Sprinter-based options become more compelling, particularly the later automatic-gearbox models that combine driving ease with long-range capability.

Both platforms appear regularly in Getaway's ex-rental stock — vehicles that have been serviced to a commercial standard throughout their fleet life and are sold with documented maintenance histories. View our current ex-rental motorhomes at our Christchurch and Auckland yards, or contact our team to discuss which platform suits your travel plans.