2004 Volkswagen Transporter (T5) Panel Van Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Transporter (T5) Panel Van has a width of 1904 mm (75 inches) without mirrors, and 2242 mm (88.3 inches) when the mirrors are fully opened. The width including mirrors is crucial for maneuvering and parking, especially in narrow spaces or urban settings. Drivers must be aware of the full width to avoid collisions with obstacles, ensuring safe navigation in tight parking spots or narrow roads.

The height of the Volkswagen Transporter (T5) ranges from 1959 mm to 2470 mm (77.1 inches to 97.2 inches). This variation depends on the roof height options available, such as standard and high roof versions. Higher roof models provide more vertical cargo space and standing room inside the van, ideal for commercial usage where loading and unloading tall items or standing within the cargo area are necessary.

The curb weight of the Volkswagen Transporter (T5) Panel Van ranges from 1785 kg to 2280 kg (3937 lbs to 5027 lbs). Curb weight represents the vehicle's weight without passengers or cargo but with standard equipment and fluids. Heavier models may have additional features or larger engines, which can affect fuel efficiency, handling, and payload capacity. A heavier van might offer more stability but slightly reduced fuel economy.

The maximum weight capacity, also known as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), ranges from 2600 kg to 2850 kg (5732 lbs to 6283 lbs) for the Transporter (T5). This rating includes the vehicle's curb weight, passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. Understanding the maximum weight capacity is critical for safety and legal compliance, ensuring the van is not overloaded, which can impair braking, handling, and structural integrity.

With the rear seats folded down, the Volkswagen Transporter (T5) Panel Van offers a generous luggage or cargo capacity ranging from 5800 liters to 9300 liters (approximately 204.8 to 328.5 cubic feet). This extensive volume makes it highly suitable for transporting large and bulky items, whether for commercial deliveries or personal uses requiring substantial cargo space. The capacity supports various business needs, such as logistic delivery or mobile workshops.

Fitting the Volkswagen Transporter (T5) into a standard residential garage depends on the specific garage dimensions and the van's height. Standard garages in many regions are about 2.13 meters (7 feet) in height and around 2.44 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in width. With a height ranging from 1959 mm to 2470 mm (77.1 to 97.2 inches), many standard roof models fit comfortably, but high roof versions (2470 mm/97.2 inches) may be too tall for some residential garages. The width including mirrors (2242 mm/88.3 inches) is generally manageable in standard garage widths, but mirror folding might be needed for ingress and egress.

Compared to its predecessor, the Transporter (T4), the T5 Panel Van is generally larger in most dimensions. The T5 increased in length, width, and height to provide more interior space and modern styling. The T4 was typically shorter and narrower, making the T5 more suitable for larger cargo loads and improved driver/passenger comfort. These dimensional upgrades improve practicality but also mean that parking and maneuvering might be slightly more challenging than with the compact T4, especially in urban environments.

The Volkswagen Transporter (T5) is generally comparable in length and width to similar midsize vans like the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter, though there are some differences. For example, the Ford Transit varies widely in size with multiple configurations but generally overlaps with the T5’s length range of 4890-5290 mm (192.5-208.3 inches). The Mercedes Sprinter tends to be taller, especially with high-roof models exceeding the T5’s maximum height of 2470 mm (97.2 inches). In terms of width, all three are roughly similar, but mirror widths may vary. These size similarities mean the T5 competes well for cargo and passenger versatility, though specific model features may influence buyer choice more than raw dimensions.

The Volkswagen Transporter (T5) is equipped with rim sizes varying from 6.5J x 16, 7J x 16, up to 7J x 17 inches, fitted with tire sizes including 205/65 R16, 215/65 R16, and 235/55 R17. These rim and tire options influence ride comfort, handling, and load capacity. Larger rims and wider tires (like 235/55 R17) typically offer better grip and improved handling at the potential expense of a firmer ride, while smaller rims with taller tire sidewalls (e.g., 205/65 R16) tend to smooth out road imperfections. The variety allows customization based on usage, whether prioritizing load, fuel efficiency, or driving dynamics.