1996 Volkswagen Transporter (T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van Dimensions, Size & Specs

The standard width without mirrors for the Volkswagen Transporter T4 facelift Panel Van is 1840 mm (72.4 inches). When the mirrors are opened, the width expands to 2175 mm (85.6 inches). This wider dimension is essential for understanding the vehicle's spatial requirements for parking and maneuvering, especially in tight urban environments.

The height of the Transporter T4 facelift Panel Van varies depending on the roof configuration, ranging from 1940 mm to 2430 mm (76.4 to 95.7 inches). The higher roof versions accommodate increased cargo volume and headroom, making them suitable for taller loads or more comfortable standing space inside the van.

The curb weight of this Transporter generation varies between 1580 kg to 1785 kg (3483 to 3936 lbs), depending on specific equipment and configuration. The maximum permissible weight ranges from 2380 kg to 2730 kg (5247 to 6019 lbs), which determines the total load the vehicle can legally carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.

One of the standout features of the Transporter T4 Panel Van is its impressive luggage capacity, which varies from 5400 liters up to 7800 liters (190.7 to 275.4 cubic feet) with rear seats folded down. This high volume makes it a versatile vehicle for commercial purposes, offering flexible cargo space for a variety of transport needs.

The roof load limit for this T4 Transporter Panel Van is 100 kg (220 lbs). This makes it suitable for carrying lightweight rooftop accessories such as roof racks or storage boxes, but heavier equipment or cargo on the roof is not recommended to ensure vehicle stability and safety.

Most standard single-car garages have an internal width of about 2400 mm (94.5 inches) and a height of roughly 2100 mm (82.7 inches). Given the Panel Van's width with mirrors folded is 1840 mm (72.4 inches), it comfortably fits width-wise. However, the height varies up to 2430 mm (95.7 inches) depending on roof type, which might exceed typical garage height limits, especially the high-roof versions. Owners with taller configurations should verify garage dimensions before parking.

Compared to the earlier T3 generation, the T4 Transporter facelift (1996) is generally larger. The length increased, offering between 4707 mm and 5107 mm compared to the T3's shorter body, enhancing cargo space drastically. Width and height also grew, with the T4 measuring 1840 mm wide (excluding mirrors) compared to the T3’s narrower stance. This dimensional increase translated to improved interior space and better load capacities, supporting the evolution in commercial usability and driver comfort.

The T4 Transporter facelift stands out in its class for its balance of compact size and generous cargo capacity. Compared to competitors like the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter of the same era, the Volkswagen offers a slightly smaller footprint ideal for urban use but offers comparable or superior cargo volume, with up to 7800 liters (275.4 cubic feet). Its ride height of 180 mm (7.1 inches) provides reasonable ground clearance for various road conditions. However, it may have less roof height than high-roof variants of competitors, which might influence load types.

The Transporter T4 Panel Van typically comes with 6J x 15 rims fitted with tire sizes like 195/70 R15 or 205/65 R15. These tire sizes balance durability and comfort while maintaining the vehicle’s intended ride height and ground clearance of 180 mm (7.1 inches). These specifications ensure the van has stable handling characteristics and meet the demands of commercial driving without significantly altering its external dimensions.