What are the differences of the Bugaboo Donkey vs Valco Baby Spark?
The
Bugaboo Donkey and the
Valco Baby Spark are really similar in concept. Both strollers have the ability to have the seats of the stroller facing forward, backward, one in each direction, and the ability to use bassinets. This feature makes it a perfect option for most moms needing more than one seat in their stroller. If you've go twins (sorry, they have to go first, I'm crazy about multiples) you can start off with two bassinets and graduate to two toddler seats that can either face you or the big wide world. Or, if you'd like you can have one bassinet with one toddler seat facing either direction. This is great for the mom of singles (yeah, so boring... right? :)). If you've got a bigger kid that needs a toddler seat facing forward and have a little one too, you can have the baby's seat facing you or even use the bassinet. Basically, if you've got more than one little set of feet, these strollers can be combined in all different configurations to suit just your need. Now back to the original question... The Bugaboo Donkey vs Valco Baby Spark. Well, the obvious difference is the price. The Bugaboo Donkey costs anywhere between $1199 and $1865 (without accessories), whereas the Valco Baby Spark is normally $774.99, on sale now for $697.50 (without accessories). But why? What makes the Donkey so much more expensive? For starters, the Donkey has the name of Bugaboo behind it. It's the elite in baby gear. Aside from being a fashion symbol, the resale value of the stroller is much higher because of the Bugaboo name. That's a BIG consideration if you are planning on selling it when you are done with it. Another thing to consider is that the Donkey acts not only as a
duo or
twin stroller, but it is convertible to a
mono, a feature the Spark does not have. With the Spark you can by it in a
single version (retails for $500, on sale now for $449.99), but there is no option of turning the single into a double and vice versa. If you want both, you've gotta buy both. Depending on how much storage space you have, that really may be worth it. If you add the current price of the Sparks it totals to $1147.49, which is more than the cheapest Donkey option. But, with the Donkey, if you buy the mono version you can buy the kit to expand it to a duo and twin at a later time. Additionally, you can get the duo option without the twin options which makes it less expensive. For more info on the differences in the strollers and what accessories come with and are available for each stroller, see the chart below. To compare Donkey strollers click
here. To compare Spark strollers click
here.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Spark Duo |
Donkey Duo |
Donkey Twin |
| Dimensions DxWxH |
41 x 28 x 29.5 |
32 x 29 x 33-42 |
32 x 29 x 33-42 |
| Wheels |
8" Front/10" Rear |
10" Front/12" Rear |
10" Front/12" Rear |
| Stroller Weight |
23.8 lbs |
33 lbs |
33 lbs |
| Weight Capacity |
40 lbs per seat |
75 lbs per seat |
75 lbs per seat |
| Minimum Age |
Newborn |
Newborn |
Newborn |
| Adjustable Handles |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Recline |
Flat |
3 |
3 |
| Bassinet/Toddler Seat |
2/2 |
1/2 |
2/2 |
| Car Seat Adaptable |
Graco, Peg Perego, Chicco/Maxi Cosi |
Maxi Cosi, Graco, Chicco, Britax |
Maxi Cosi, Graco, Chicco, Britax |
| Reversible Seat |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Convertible |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Color Options |
Black Out, Sterling, Strawberry |
45 Combinations |
45 Combinations |
| Included in the Box |
Spark Duo Chassis, 2 Spark Seats/Bassinets, 2 Bootcovers, 2 Bassinet Inlays |
Chassis, 2 Seats, Bumper Bar, 2 Rain Covers, Side Storage Basket, 1 Bassinet Base, 1 Bassinet Apron, 2 Sun Canopies |
Chassis, 2 Seats, Bumper Bar, 2 Rain Covers, Side Storage Basket, 2 Bassinet Bases, 2 Bassinet Aprons, 2 Sun Canopies |
| Available Accessories |
Car Seat Adapters, Caddy, Hitch Hiker, Cup Holders (Universal & Bevi Buddy), Tire Pump, Stroller Liner, Footmuffs (Reece, White, Snug), Snack Pack
|
Bassinet Base, Tailored Fabric Sets (Regular & Extendable), Sun Canopies (Regular & Extendable), Car Seat Adapters, Wheeled Board & Adapter, Parasol, Seat Liner, Footmuff, Snack Tray, Cup Holder, Organizer, Travel Bag, Blanket, Mattress Cover, Bags
|
Bassinet Base, Tailored Fabric Sets (Regular & Extendable), Sun Canopies (Regular & Extendable), Car Seat Adapters, Wheeled Board & Adapter, Parasol, Seat Liner, Footmuff, Snack Tray, Cup Holder, Organizer, Travel Bag, Blanket, Mattress Cover, Bags
|
| Price |
$697.50 (was $774.99) |
$1499.00-$1699.00 |
$1659.00-$1865.00 |
