In Singapore, i'll definitely select the M-B O 405 G with
Hispano Habit bodywork !
As far as bus-chassi is concerned, the O 405 G offers 1st class
suspension ride comfort, purpose-built low height gentle
inclination ergonomic dashboard (instead of truck dashboard like
some others !), excellent turn-table design in terms of function,
aesthestics & finish. Not surprising since in Hispanos case
here, that's original M-B hardware !
As far as bus bodywork is concerned, overall it's the Hispano Habit
because of its solidness of construction (hardly any rattles,
crackles & squeaks coming from the bodywork part unlike the
overall not-so-good ones like Volgrens & Duple-Metsec etc.),
superior levels of fit, finishing & style.
However, Hispano can do better by improving on the finishing &
aesthetics of the roof-top ! Do not assume that all buses here are
only 1 deck high & people cannot see the rooftop of the Hispano
buses !
On the bus-chassi side, select a quieter type of air-con compressor
instead of the loud drony types now used. I notice the interior
noise, vibration & harshness levels are so much lower only when
the air-con compressor is off !
Transmission NVH levels seem lower than on some O 405 here, but i
believe it can be further reduced if they had used the M-B gearbox
instead. I've riden on some O 405 via TransitLink in JB with almost
no whinning, grinding etc. transmission noises ! Overall their O
405 are quieter than those here, although theirs not so well
maintained as those here.
