Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 vs IC Bus CE Series
Pick two or three platforms and see every figure next to each other. The link updates as you choose, so you can share or bookmark a comparison.
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Category | School Bus | School Bus |
| Bus type | Type C | Type C |
| Engine location | Front | Front |
| Manufacturer | Thomas Built Buses | IC Bus |
| Status | Current platform | Current platform |
| Data quality | OEM verified | OEM verified |
| Living space | ||
| Buildable length | 15.5–30 ft | 15.5–30 ft |
| Buildable floor | 102–215 sq ft | 102–215 sq ft |
| Standing volume | 620–1320 cu ft | 620–1320 cu ft |
| Interior width | 90 in | 90 in |
| Interior height | 78 in | 78 in |
| Vehicle | ||
| Overall length | 23–40 ft | 23–40 ft |
| Overall height | 120–130 in | 120–130 in |
| Exterior width | 96 in | 96 in |
| Wheelbases | 158", 179", 199", 219", 238", 259", 279" | 158", 169", 193", 217", 236", 254", 276" |
| GVWR | up to 33000 lb | up to 33000 lb |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Engine | Cummins B6.7 |
Cummins B6.7 Cummins B6.7 Octane |
| Transmission |
Allison 2500 PTS Allison 3000 PTS |
Allison 2000 Series Allison 3000 PTS |
| Tires | Common full-size configurations use 22.5-inch commercial tires; exact size by order | Exact tire size by axle and build order; verify door placard |
| Brakes | Air or hydraulic configurations vary by order | Air drum, air disc or hydraulic disc; Octane listed with disc brakes only |
| Suspension | Leaf-spring base configurations; exact axle and suspension package by order | Parabolic taper-leaf front; Vari-Rate spring or IROS air rear |
| Fuel | Configuration dependent | Diesel 65 or 100 gallons; gasoline 60 or 100 gallons |
| Will a bed fit crosswise | ||
| Twin / full (75″) | Fits (15″ spare) | Fits (15″ spare) |
| Queen (80″) | Fits (10″ spare) | Fits (10″ spare) |
| King (80″) | Fits (10″ spare) | Fits (10″ spare) |
Shaded cells are where these vehicles differ.
Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2
A modern Type C bus with seven wheelbases, up to 81-passenger capacity and 78-inch headroom. The current evolved C2 uses a common Daimler electrical architecture and remains a major full-size skoolie candidate.
Works in its favour
- 78-inch full-height headroom
- Seven wheelbases cover short through full-size bodies
- Large service network through Daimler/Thomas channels
- Modern driver environment and strong forward visibility
Check before you buy
- Electrical architecture is more integrated than older buses
- Exact transmission and rear axle must be confirmed by VIN/build data
- Conversion payload requires an actual scale ticket
- Published family specs do not equal a specific bus build
IC Bus CE Series
The current CE Series offers seven wheelbases, 78-inch headroom, up to 33,000 pounds GVWR and either Cummins B6.7 diesel or B6.7 Octane gasoline power. Its factory literature clearly separates family options from exact vehicle configuration.
Works in its favour
- Seven wheelbases and up to 83-passenger capacity
- Diesel and gasoline choices on the current platform
- 78-inch interior headroom
- VIN-based service communications can expose detailed build information
Check before you buy
- The CE family page does not establish a universal tire size
- Allison 2000 Series is a family, not a single gear set
- Gasoline and diesel buses differ in fuel range and service profile
- Net conversion payload must be calculated from an actual scale weight