Mercedes-Benz Actros vs Volvo FH16

The Mercedes-Benz Actros is the heavier machine, at 9.36 t against 9.1 t.

The Mercedes-Benz Actros is ahead on: lifts or carries more, bigger fuel tank. The Volvo FH16 is ahead on: more torque, turns tighter, lower to transport.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Mercedes-Benz Actros and the Volvo FH16 drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

Mercedes-Benz · truck
Mercedes-Benz Actros
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Volvo · truck
Volvo FH16
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At a glance

Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.

Figure	Mercedes-Benz Actros	Volvo FH16
Kerb weight	9,363 kg	9,095 kg
Max torqueHigher is better	1,900 Nm	3,000 Nm+58%
GVWHigher is better	33,000 kg+27%	26,000 kg
Fuel tankHigher is better	860 L+161%	330 L
Turning circleLower is better	18.2 m	15.1 m+17%
Overall height (cab roof)Lower is better	3.527 m	3.436 m+3%
Overall length	6.925 m	7.14 m

All specifications

Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.

Differences only(36)

FigureMercedes-Benz Actros Volvo FH16

Dimensions

Overall length6.925 m7.14 m

Overall width2.5 m2.5 mcab width

Overall height (cab roof)3.527 mtotal height incl. air intake3.436 m

Wheelbase3.3 mfront axle to first rear axle3.6 m

Tandem axle spacing1.35 m1.37 m

Front overhang1.5 m1.365 m

Rear overhang0.75 mframe overhang behind last axle0.805 m

Fifth wheel lead1.25 mahead of rear-axle centre (code H1N)Not published

Frame height at front1.016 mladen; 1.107 m unladenNot published

Frame height at rear1.022 mladen; 1.094 m unladenNot published

Ground clearance0.312 mat rear; 0.317 m at frontNot published

Front track2.058 mNot published

Rear track1.804 mNot published

Turning circle18.2 m15.1 mkerb to kerb; 16.5 m wall to wall

Theoretical wheelbaseNot published4.285 m

Rear axle to back of cabNot published2.543 mincludes 50 mm front clearance

Frame heightNot published1.111 munladen

Weight

Kerb weight9,363 kg9,095 kg

GVW33,000 kg26,000 kgplated; 28,500 kg design

GCW68,000 kgmanufacturer's gross combination mass44,000 kgplated and design

Front axle load8,000 kgmanufacturer's rating7,500 kg

Rear axle load26,000 kgtandem, manufacturer's rating19,000 kgbogie, plated; 21,000 kg design

Fifth-wheel load13,764 kgrear-axle payload at permissible massNot published

Engine

Engine modelMercedes-Benz OM 460, inline 6Volvo D17A600 (standard; D17A700 / D17A780 optional)

EmissionsEuro IIIEuro VI (SCR, EGR and particulate filter)

Cylinders6Not published

Displacement12.8 LNot published

Gross power290 kW (394 hp)at 1,600 rpm600 hp

Max torque1,900 Nmat 1,100 rpm3,000 Nm

Transmission

GearboxG 330-12/11.63-0.77, Mercedes PowerShift 3, 12-speedI-Shift AT3012 automated 12-speed

ClutchSingle-disc clutchNot published

Rear axle ratioi = 4.143Not published

Rear axlesCrown wheel 300, planetary hub reduction, 2 x 13.4 tRTS2370D single-reduction 23 t tandem with diff locks, GCW 70 t

Tyres

Tyres315/80 R 22.5 on 9.00x22.5 rims, front and rear315/80 R22.5 front and drive

Service capacities

Fuel tank860 L430 L left + 430 L right330 L

AdBlue tankNot published64 L

Service intervals

Gearbox oil and filterNot published360,000 kmor every 3 years; I-Shift synthetic oil

Sources: Mercedes-Benz Actros 5 3340S 6x4 truck tractor technical specifications, version 01/2020 (Tecnica Industrial, Mozambique) · Volvo Trucks model range sheet FH 16 6x4 Tractor - B/T Ride - N3, FH 64T 6L 01 GBR (2026-09-25)

Drawn to scale

Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.

Mercedes-Benz ActrosVolvo FH16Same scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Mercedes-Benz Actros vs Volvo FH16: questions

Which is bigger, the Mercedes-Benz Actros or Volvo FH16?

By operating weight the Mercedes-Benz Actros is the biggest at 9.36 t, then the Volvo FH16 at 9.1 t.

Which lifts or carries more, the Mercedes-Benz Actros or Volvo FH16?

The Mercedes-Benz Actros: Mercedes-Benz Actros 33,000 kg, Volvo FH16 26,000 kg (gvw), a 27% difference.

Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Mercedes-Benz Actros or Volvo FH16?

The Mercedes-Benz Actros: Mercedes-Benz Actros 860 L, Volvo FH16 330 L (fuel tank), a 161% difference.

Which turns tighter, the Mercedes-Benz Actros or Volvo FH16?

The Volvo FH16: Mercedes-Benz Actros 18.2 m, Volvo FH16 15.1 m (turning circle), a 17% difference.

Where do these figures come from?

Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.

Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?

Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.