E320 or E430 ; 2w vs 4w
 

Hi,
I'm am looking at getting either of the following.
9'9 or '00
E320 or E430
2 W or 4matic.

After looking around, I think the 00 E430 4matic would be for me because of the V8, 00 improvements over 99 and the AWD because of snow. Its a little more expensive that the 320, but just by a little? right?
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I had the pleasure of driving a awd during the blizzard (i live in lower ny) and was happy to see it zip up my hill to home without a problem. I usually throw chains on my 95 c280
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I must have more HP. I could probably get by with the extra hp of the 320, but the 430 zooms. Most of my driving is highway, I do love to do sprints on my RT 684 straightaways. With that said and done, I also have to look at the return on investment.
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The 430 eats gas, and I do 100 miles per day at 70-80mph and the 320 is a little less expensive, but is doesn't seem to be that much of a difference to justify missing out on the V8.
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So, Is there anything I should stay away from? On preference? Whats all your expert advice and personal opinions?

Help and Thanks.

David

Oh..and do these 4matic models have traction control ; ie. posi traction on both front and back?

I would make sure that it also has the ESP. The heated seats are nice in winter too. Make sure you get a set of snow tires for winter. Mine will swap ends in a turn in snow if I am not careful since I only have all season tires.

The newer 4-matic system works great and has built in traction control and will balance the torque from front to back. If you notice the traction control kicking in, slow down.

Not sure about US models, but none of the E430 4-matic cars sold here have limited slip differentials (GM called it "Posi-traction"). They use the ASR/ESP system to allocate traction to the tire that has some. All of the E430 4-matic cars had ESP/ASR standard.

Because of this, the current 4-matic system works best in on-road conditions. Since most ML's, and all C/E/S cars are road only vehicles, it's the best system.

The one drawback can be that it is hard on rear brakes in very poor conditions.

MB's newer 4-matic cars (as opposed to the first 4matic versions) have open differentials, and use the brakes for torque redistribution.

A limited-slip diff would interfere with this setup.

I agree with Bobbyv on the role of limited differential.

I'd also add that though MB's 4-matic may handle some extreme conditions that most 4WD systems can not handle, like car is still mobile even only one wheel has traction, Audi's quattro 4WD still handles better than 4-Matic.

The problem with 4-matic is that it can't prevent slippage, it detects slippage then reacts. Audi's pure mechanical torsion differential is sensitive to the torque, it can transfer torque before slippage happens, I still feel Quattro is the best performing 4WD, the drawback is that its extra weight and fuel consumption.

My vote is E430 if you can afford the extra cost. But you should test drive both to be sure that extra cost in purchasing and fuel cost jusifies the performance you will enjoy with the V8. Also, the 45 series tires on the E430 is much more expensive than the 55 series tires on standard E320. Good luck with your new car :)