Motorhome & Camper: Comparison

When you thought of motorhomes a few years ago you had a slightly dusty image of tightly packed white motorhomes on a campsite on the Italian Adriatic in your head. But since then this image has changed and motorhomes have captured the hearts of all generations, whether old, young, family, couples or individual travellers.

Today, people associate the mobile van with individuality, adventure and self-realisation. Everyone can design their journey according to their own interests. Some travellers only need the sleeping berths in the bus while others attach more importance to comfortable equipment and space in the interior. With the variety of manufacturers and models there's a suitable motorhome or camper for everyone.

Motorhomes and campervans can be used as synonyms. Motorhomes are usually semi-integrated vehicles with a driver's cab and seat. On the base and frame of the driver's cab are the living space, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping berths. The living unit offers enough space for comfort and is usually suitable for up to four people.

Motorhomes and caravans can be used as synonyms. Motorhomes are usually semi-integrated vehicles with a driver's cab and seat. On the base and frame of the driver's cab are a living space, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping berths. The living unit offers enough space for comfort and is usually suitable for up to four people.

Practically, campers also belong to the category of motorhomes. However, they're often more suitable for everyday use and more manoeuvrable as they have a smaller length, height and thus also floor plan than a motorhome. The basis is a van or panel van body which has been developed in cooperation with the manufacturers or by the manufacturers themselves according to certain criteria.

The concepts of camping buses are in no way inferior to those of motorhomes. The interior includes a small kitchen and sometimes also a small wet cell. Sleeping berths are either in the vehicle compartment or in the pop-up roof. The camper models are perfect for two people but also for a group of friends up to four people.

If you want to buy a camper you can find useful tips here.

At first glance, all camper models appear similar. But if you compare them directly their respective strengths, advantages and weaknesses become apparent. In our search for the perfect campers we've made several tests. Here we'll give you an overview and information about the most popular camping buses.

Besides vehicles from Volkswagen which are often seen as the classic campers there are also alternatives from Opel and Mercedes which are in no way inferior to Volkswagen. We have taken a closer look at the camping buses for you.

The VW California Beach cannot be called a space miracle of camping buses. It's compact and very comfortable to drive. If you take a look inside the T6 you'll be surprised by the generous space. The Beach offers seating and sleeping for up to five adults. The narrow kitchenette includes a gas point and the dining table can be set up quickly and easily. Thanks to the minimalist interior design the vehicle offers plenty of storage space for sports equipment and outdoor products. However, you can also easily drive the Beach in the city and in everyday life. The perfect vehicle for those looking for variety!

Weaknesses that can be mentioned are the lack of water infrastructure such as a washbasin and shower head. However, our Beach models are equipped with a water canister and a compressor cooler. That means you can be self-sufficient with the camper for longer periods of time.

The VW California Ocean is the classic Bulli among the VW models. The floor plans of the Beach and Ocean models do not differ. However, the California Ocean is equipped with a wide range of living infrastructure inside. It has a permanently installed water system and a sink in the kitchenette. The cooker consists of two gas burners and the refrigerator is permanently integrated in the kitchen. In addition, there's an outside shower at the rear of the vehicle. With the pop-up roof and the convertible rear seat there's room for up to four adults in the van.

In our opinion, the van has no weaknesses. It has simply proven itself over the years and is the perfect companion for trips of all kinds.

The VW Grand California is our tiny house on wheels. It's the perfect choice for those who want the living space of a motorhome but also the flexibility of a camper. Camping has never been such a luxury! You can comfortably stand upright inside the campervan. In the kitchen with sink, two gas burners and a refrigerator you can easily prepare a feast. The camper van also has a bathroom with a washbasin, hot-water shower and toilet. You don't have to compromise on living comfort.

The bed is in the rear and you'll have a restful sleep on the slatted frame. The powerful photovoltaic system on the roof offers you maximum independence.

The VW Grand California is perfect for camping in the great outdoors. You don't have to rely on pitches with electricity and water supply as you can be self-sufficient for up to five days with your camper van.

Other brands besides VW also have promising camping buses. In the comparative test the Opel Crosscamp is a real all-rounder. It has a very good price-performance ratio and is equipped with similar technology as the VW Ocean. The kitchenette contains two gas burners, a sink and a refrigerator. With a pop-up roof, up to four people can share the bus. There's an outdoor shower at the rear for the necessary comfort on the road.

Last but not least is the Mercedes Marco Polo which is the performer among the camping buses. In the test comparison with the Opel Crosscamp and the VW California Ocean, the Marco Polo convinces with an engine with 190 hp which provides a sovereign and dynamic driving experience. Otherwise, it's similarly equipped with a kitchenette, a pop-up roof and a shower in the rear. All technical functions of the campervan can be controlled via the modern touch display and menu. So the Mercedes is definitely worth the money!

Whether motorhome or campervan, they all have one thing in common: they offer you independence and an unforgettable travel experience! If you want a little more comfort you'll get your money's worth with a motorhome. A camper van on the other hand offers a lot of flexibility and is very easy to drive - and you still have all your essentials with you!

Browse through our models and see in details what's included in our vehicles. You'll be amazed at how much a camper van has to offer. There's the right model for everyone!