Pristine

I need your opinion on whether to get a 4matic or RWD.
Apart from driving in the snow, do you think it is worth getting 4matic? Does 1 ride/handle any better than the other in dry or wet conditions? Is the suspension pritty much same for both?

I have narrowed down to deciding between 2 cars at the same price with these options:
Car 1 has MM, P2 & 7-Speed Auto
Car 2 has MM, P1 & 4matic

If price is same for both, which car would you choose?

webada

depends on the weather conditions in your area. I drove a RWD 528 for years without a problem in NYC but I always made sure I keep up with some tires... I've also driven a RWD in Greater Buffalo area for years.... Guess I've learn to deal with driving a RWD in cold weather area.

so as long as you know what you are doing in rainy or snowy conditions, got some good all weather tires or even some M+S (or just stay home when snowing..) then you should just be fine.

Pristine

Yeah, that's what i'm thinking. Unless 4matic improves the ride quality and handling in dry/wet conditions, I'd rather spend the money towards P2. Secondly, we don't get much snow here and I've been doing ok in snow w/o 4matic so far...so thinking of passing on this option.

drevil2k2

I test drove a C300 RWD and currently have the 4Matic. From my experience, with everyday dry driving there is not too much difference. If was nice to hear a little chirp when I hammered the gas from the 4Matic - something I didn't hear from my previous A4 Quattro.

If you don't need it, then best to put the money towards the options!

e1000

For dry conditions, RWD will handle better. In wet weather, AWD will have better traction.

Pristine

Since P2 package includes xenon headlights, then does those without it have ordinary looking light output or do they have HIDs?

e1000

without P2 uses halogen lights through projectors

RLE

HID (high intensity discharge) and Xenon or Bi-Xenon are the same. Plain old headlights are halogen.

Pristine

Thanks for clarifying that. I wasn't sure.

chilledbenz

If you get any snow at all, or the temperature gets below freezing, than I would say 4matic would be the better investment. Lets face it, your choice is between the added safety of all wheel drive, or Xenon lights, because thats all that P2 really is. I've had 4matic in ML's, R's, and C's and wouldn't buy another car without it, its saved my butt more than once.

Untertürkheim

P2, MM, and Leather, nothing else.

FrankW

I will assume you are talking about in snow and freezing condition because if not I would ask you what makes you think that AWD is safer than RWD or FWD.

RickP330

I would opt out of the 4matic IMO. I got a 4matic loaner W203 and it had alot of that front wheel drive "wheel steer" thing on hard corners, I didn't like it a bit. the RWD is very nutral in hard corners and I just love that. Also, if performance is your concern you should consider that AMG doesn't make a 4matic option for a reason.
That being said, you might not be to performance oriented in your driving and poor weather may be a major deciding factor for the 4matic. These are all just my opinions... After all.. You asked
Regards,
Rick

Ron Jr

I agree with Rick I felt some torque steer in the C300 4Matic I test drove. And the weather doesn't get that bad here on LI to really need it.

Pristine

Thanks guys. You are making the decision a lot easier.

bigigg

get the rwd.. i got 4 matic and i regret it.. i wish i woulda got the 350 instead.. and as of rite now its easier to find suspension upgrades for rwd

andy_meng1024

+1 You will always find it hard to find 4Matic lowering springs on MB don't even ask for coilover. I'd get RWD if you want to mod it.

phranksmbz

i have a 4matic right now, coming from a rwd w203. I'll tell it to you like this, only benefit to having a 4matic is bad weather. So if you come in here asking which is better apart from snow? its a no brainer, simply because of more hp+more mod options+ect like mentioned above. I have the mod bug and it pisses me off that items are not available for my car i.e coilovers/bbks

killacam7479

I got 4Matic. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I live in Chicago, where the roads can get pretty bad. I also thought it might be better for resale value a few years down the road. I am about to experience my first winter with it, so we'll see how it goes.

Also, I did not get P2. I'm going to buy nicer halgen bulbs for my car, but I had a similar dilemma when I bought my car a few weeks ago. Good luck.

RLE

Buy the 2WD car with P2. You should wade through this forum and see all the regrets about NOT buying P2.

As to 4-Matic, keep in mind that you are hauling all that extra weight and complexity the year round just for the few days that you THINK you might need it.

webada

oh no, not the performance on a 4wd argument again!

C300Sport

Get the RWD. Less upfront cost, less friction and weight equals better fuel economy, less front end weight equals more balanced handling, fewer things to break and cost you an arm and a leg. Traction control does wonders on slippery surfaces but, if you are your own snow plow part of the year that may trump everything else.

webada

this reminds me when I drove my 528 or 240sx to a snow covered parking lot, I would actually look for spots that was not not on a decline (most parking lots are built with concave curvature to drain water) if I had to park in one, I always made sure i went in head first.

that saved me couple of times!

f4i 954

My vote goes to RWD.
You shoul test drive both & pic the one You like better.
I like the way RWD drives better plus (in Canada you dont get the adjustable suspension & shift paddles with the 4 matics on the 350`s) & i saved some $$$$$.