Question:
Dear Vanorak, what wheelbase sizes was the DAF 45 available in, in the 1990s?
Maun Motors Vanorak's Answer:
Trying to catch me out with a question about a lorry eh?! Well, as far as I'm aware, the DAF 45 was available in the following wheelbases:
Unless there were any major chassis changes during the nineties, this should be accurate. Chassis designs are generally rarely changed between major model re-launches though.
Did you know that Maun Motors Hire DAF Trucks via our rentals department? Available as box vans, pantechnicons (for furniture removals, etc.) and dropsides.
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Question:
Is a Mercedes Vito "Long" actually a Long Wheelbase Van?
Maun Motors Vanorak's Answer:
No. Confusingly, when Mercedes-Benz released the new shape Vito, they made 3 different body lengths, based on 2 different wheelbases. The Vito "Compact" and the Vito "Long" are both based on the Short Wheelbase Chassis, whilst the Vito "Extra-Long" is the only true Long Wheelbase of the Mercedes Vito range.
To find out more information on the Mercedes Vito, click here for the specification sheet (PDF Format).
Or click here to view our Mercedes Vito and Sprinter panel van stock lists.
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Question:
In van specifications, what does the term "PS" mean? Is it just the same as horsepower
Maun Motors Vanorak's Answer:
Almost! PS is an abbreviation of the German word "Pferdestarke", which roughly translates into English as "Horsepower". Although it translates as horsepower, PS and BHP (Brake Horse Power) are slightly different measurement standards devised by different engineering bodies. BHP is the traditional method of measuring an engine's power, where a measurement is taken directly from the engine. This does not always give an accurate translation of the power available to the driver, because it doesn't take into account any amount of power loss caused by mechanical friction, stress, etc. PS, however, is a metric measurement of the net horsepower available when the engine is fully installed in the vehicle, thus giving a more accurate measurement of a vehicle's power. Pferdestarke or DIN (Deutsche Industrie Normen - German Industry Standard) Horsepower is widely accepted by European car manufacturers, which is why it has now become a phrase used regularly in the British vehicle market. PS is not to be mistaken for PSI, which is a measurement of pressure, not power!, although you will see the odd, supposedly knowledgeable, vehicle dealers advertising their vans with 125 PSI engines!
There is a rough formula with which you can convert PS into BHP, although they are so similar in value, it's hardly worth bothering! For those of you who simply must work with BHP, the formula is:
1 PS = 0.9863 BHP or 1 BHP = 1.0139 PS
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