is there a difference ? what's the difference ?

 

Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

 

About $1500...

 

4-Matics have the old 5 speed transmission instead of the newer 7 speed. They also have lower final drive ratios than the rear wheel drive cars, resulting in reduced fuel economy.

 

Yes, the 4M uses the 5 speed which works just fine and the difference in fuel economy is insignificant and both are so close that its quite difficult to compute. As I recall the price difference is about 2500, can't be sure without digging up the invoice. 4 M's in my opinion ride a bit differently and are a bit better, they track like they are on rails. I personally would not have anything else.

 

The new EPA figures show about a 5% difference for the E350 and about a 6% difference for the E550.
"Your mileage may vary".

 

My opinion is the opposite. I drove both 4 matic E500 and RWD E500, and fell in love with the RWD. A V8 MB with 340ft/lbs torque with RWD (or more if u own an E550 or AMG) is pure bliss! Can you say German V8 muscle in its purest form....

 

I agree my brother MB driver!!!

2005 E500 - 25K miles - Goes like a RAPED APE!! And..almost 30MPG Highway!!

Take That KIA and ever other piece of junk compact!!

 

LOL. The car is simply amazing. (So far - 6 months, 32K).

 

I have driven both, the S500 and S500 4-matic over the Monida Pass in the middle of the winter - If I had a choice of owning one of them, I gladly would sacrifice the better Mileage per Gallon and slightly softer ride - for the extra traction/safety/better acceleration of the 4-matic.

 

I won't trade my 4M with any other RWD.

RWD is a worthless poor soul when snowing or when the road is not dry. All I see off the road when snowing are expensive RWD cars including E500 RWDs.

And I was about to crawl into the bottom of a huge truck as I was passing it and there was around a 5 foot by 5 foot moisture (it found out to be some kind of oil). My wife, my baby and I were spinning three times right after the truck passed by and I thought this was the last day I see my wife and baby.

I only go for a 4 Matic with clear Safety, more confidence, better traction, faster acceleration!!! I will sacrifice some more gas for my life.