Debate: Volvo B9TL Wright vs Dennis Enviro500 vs MAN A95

Marvel68 SG

Thought it will be interesting if I create a debate thread on bus models which hasn't been done in a while, and this time I thought of creating one for the 3 current flagship DD models of GCM today.

Which of 3 most common DD varieties do you prefer be it in terms of design, performance or comfort etc and why? Let's say if you see all 3 aforementioned buses arriving at the same time on the same service (i.e 851, 854, 856, 960 etc), which bus would you board, and why?

iveco SG

I think ADL since both KL and Penang endorsed it.

Off topic but I'd take the KUB for preferred SD. If so happened, KUB, A22 and Citaro deployed on same route and all arrived together there is no doubt which bus I'd board.

SG5064X SG

A95 of course!!! Bae siol.

carbikebus SG

Well i think its unfair comparison unless all three models engine size/output is near within each other..

MAN A95 10518cc twin stage turbo [email protected] [email protected]

ADL Enviro500 8894cc turbo intercooled [email protected] [email protected]

Volvo B9TL 9400cc turbo intercooled [email protected] [email protected]

Volvo is of course look cheapo and inferior compared to those two,Wing mirrors also cheapo type,No PIS and sliding doors...Hahaha

Suspension:MAN is the king

Comfort:Depends on BCs,I have joyride Svc 19 A95 and the damm BC always jerk and hard braking like siao not to mention heavy swerving. ..

Acceleration:Despite being detuned 1st/2nd gear for slower and fuel efficiency and to prevent rearended cases or pax from falling down,MAN still win hands down due to its massive torque.ADL and B9TL depends on engine tuning.

Braking:Volvo got a top notch over those two if the BCs knew how to play with the retarder. ..ADL is the worst.

Reliability:MAN & Volvo then Cummins..

Maintenance:Volvo is easier to maintain and troubleshoot compared to those two..MAN euro 5 is famous for failing smoke test every two years...So moving to euro6 with adblue is a smart idea by LTA.Cummins need specialists in order to be tip top.TTS got a few of them.

Looks:B3 A95 followed by Enviro500 and last B9TL

SMB128B SG

A95 > ADL >>>>> B9TL

A22 fan SG

MAN a95 win hands down. Performance and outlook is enough for me.

wsy1234 SG

still prefer volvo DDs so far not many problem even some older DDs scrapped already. MAN DDs time will tell. MAN SD some of them already engine sound lound and funny noise start to come out

carbikebus SG

still prefer volvo DDs so far not many problem even some older DDs scrapped already. MAN DDs time will tell. MAN SD some of them already engine sound lound and funny noise start to come out

SMRT fleets is like that,mediocre maintenance..Some of their B9TL already got funny noise also.TTS one is well maintained, Citaro also problem prone but easy to repair and troubleshoot.

wsy1234 SG

SMRT MRT already have problems not suprise the bus also problem maybe LTA should re look awarding any bus operators contract to SMRT.

carbikebus SG

SMRT MRT already have problems not suprise the bus also problem maybe LTA should re look awarding any bus operators contract to SMRT.

No,Just award them 3 packages the most which is SBST ones..Serangoon-Eunos,Clementi and Bishan-Toa Payoh which they maintained only Citaro,B9TL & a few A95...hahaha

PoweredByCNG SG

Having experienced all three, I must say that the MAN is superior in acceleration and passenger comfort, and I believe handling from a driver's perspective as well. The MAN engine is definitely the quietest out of the three. The Volvo B9TL with Voith gearbox has the slowest acceleration from standstill.

It's worth noting that MAN has additional power ratings above the 320hp/1600Nm used on the Singapore A95s and the same can be said for the Volvo D9B and Cummins ISL as well. Additionally, it's worth noting that no matter the engine selection, all modern buses are torque-restricted in low gears for passenger comfort, longevity of driveline components and on-road safety.

carbikebus SG

So,The highest torque rules SG roads right...

sgbuses SG

Be careful what you wish for...whoever wins will have a 8 years lock-in all the way to 2025.

PoweredByCNG SG

So,The highest torque rules SG roads right...

Power delivery is the most important. The MAN engine already produces peak power by around 1500 rpm, and the high torque (and thus power) at low engine speeds means comparatively effortless acceleration, which results in a less stressful drive, lower noise emissions and lower fuel consumption. The fact that the engine doesn't need to be pushed hard results in prolonged component life too.

A22 fan SG

Hope to see more MAN buses soon.

RJ_Peters SG

A95 All the way!