Stagecoach South East Optare Solos - MAN vs Mercedes - What's the difference?

Optare Solos are loved and hated by passengers, enthusiasts and even drivers. Mainly hated for their size when put on busy routes, such as the A line in Ashford. Solos are also loved, mainly due to their speed and engine sounds. But what's the difference between the two? Both visually and audibly. Find out in this video
Chapters:
0:01 Intro - MAN Solos
0:58 Intro - Mercedes Solos
1:27 47110
1:43 Differences
3:43 Withdrawals
4:25 Optare Solo SR
4:58 Quiz
5:52 Outro

[@KentTransportLewis]

47825 is at hastings now

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

I know, hopefully it'll enter service soon

[@will_n775]

This video was useful, I gotta prefer MANs tbh - they're more gutsy YJ59GFO appears on my local route sometimes (429 go coach) and its much better than the mercs

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

YJ59 GFO used to be a MAN but was converted to Merc not long after transferring to Go-Coach Hire, that being said GFO is still a great bus!

[@will_n775]

@@awesometrainsandbuses Oh my bad then, yeah it's one of the few good mercedes powered ones

[@BlazeClone]

you forgot to mention that a lot of bigger back solos can also be cummins engined

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

Yes but I'm only referring to the Stagecoach South East solos, there weren't any Cummins engine solos with Stagecoach South East

[@UKTransportAdventures]

I'm not really sure what I think of Solos to be honest. Some of Ashford's ones I like, and some I don't like. Good video either way!

[@HastingsBuses]

Nice video mate. I love driving Solos. Enjoy them whilst they're around...there are plans to eventually replace them all with Solo SRs

[@joshuawheal5263]

I hate driving solos, boiling In the summer, freezing in the winter. And often the driver gets soaked when driving one in the rain!

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

And as a passenger you often end up standing at rush hour

[@mckenziebolger1021]

MAN varients are generally longer varients which bodied by Optare however it carries an MAN engine whereas the Mercedes varient is a shorter variend and carries a mercedes engine ONCE AGAIN BODIED BY OPTARE NOT MERCEDES OR MAN JUST uses there engines.

[@littleratbag1111]

The MAN engines pull really well I believe twin turbo where as the Mercedes is slow and doesn’t deliver the same punch of acceleration but girl what I’ve heard far less problematic, the MAN engine is great for Devon hills! Ha ha

[@Hull_Transportation]

This is helpful, but can you tell me what features a cummins isbe one has compared to these pls

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

Cummins ones, like the MANs tend to have a larger back

[@chrisbutton486]

My favourite buses call bread van ford transit mini bus and Leyland national single decker

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

no garden of England lunchtime tour Tuesday

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

Ok

[@HastingsBuses]

Don't forget 47475!

[@peterjames5003]

I like solos. Is there a preservation group to save some?

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

There probably is

[@dangerousdeo5113]

I am hoping to grab one in the future once a local bus firm withdrawn one!! This is in Wales mind! :D