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Volkswagen Transporter (T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van 2.4 D (78 Hp) L2H2
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Transporter:
The Volkswagen Transporter, based on the Volkswagen Group's T platform, now in its seventh generation, refers to a series of vans produced for over 70 years and marketed worldwide.
The T series is now considered an official Volkswagen Group automotive platform. and generations are sequentially named T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7. Pre-dating the T platform designations, the first three generations were named Type 2, indicating their relative position to the Type 1, or Beetle. As part of the T platform, the first three generations are retroactively named T1, T2 and T3....(Read more on Wikipedia)
(T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van Overview:
Volkswagen Transporter ((T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van). With 164 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1755 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 131 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.4 D (78 Hp) L2H2 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 78 Hp 2.4 D in the larger L2H2 body is a reliable but slow combination. It's a workhorse that prioritizes longevity over speed, best for steady, unhurried tasks.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 10.4 l/100 km is acceptable for a naturally aspirated diesel in a large van, offering reasonable running costs for its performance level.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional reliability and durability, especially the diesel engines
- • Versatile cargo space and multiple body configurations
- • Car-like driving dynamics for a commercial van
- • Strong resale value due to cult following and practicality
- • Wide range of robust diesel engine options (TDI models are excellent)
Cons:
- • Petrol engines are very thirsty and less suited for commercial use
- • Basic safety features compared to modern vans (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Potential for rust, especially on older, unmaintained examples
- • Naturally aspirated diesel engines (2.4 D, 1.9 TD) can feel underpowered
- • Some parts may become harder to source as the vehicle ages
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4) Panel Van: 1992 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Transporter |
| Generation: | (T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.4 D (78 Hp) L2H2 |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 78 Hp @ 3700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 32.9 Hp/l [52mm more] |
| Torque: | 164 Nm @ 1800-2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AAB More details about the engine AAB |
| Engine displacement: | 2370 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 131 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 22.5 kg/Hp, 44.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.7 kg/Nm, 93.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1755 |
| Max. weight: | 2700-2800 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 945-1045 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 7800 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 700 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Wading depth: | 350 mm |
| Length: | 5107 mm [52mm more] |
| Width: | 1840 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 2430 mm [30mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3320 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2175 mm |
| Front track: | 1589 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Front overhang: | 886 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 901 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 180 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R15; 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Volkswagen Transporter!