Need advice, 4matic or Audi Quattro?

[spinedoc]

Looking for a winter vehicle, New England snow. I absolutely HATE SUV's so my only choice is an AWD car. I have narrowed it down to either Audi Quattro A8 or Mercedes E430 4matic (E500 if they exist in 4matic).

Hopefully I can get some opinions here, preferably without flaming. I really have heard some nightmare stories about Audi as a company in general and I am really steering towards the E class. Although the E class does not have the best reputation either, I think it would still be better than the Audi. I will probably buy a 1998 - 2000 depending on price.

So how is the E class 4matic in the snow? Can anyone provide a comparision between the AWD of the 4matic versus the Quattro? Is the 4matic all time AWD, or is it more of a 4 wheel traction control?

Thanks much guys!

[dtf]

Here is the extent of my knowledge: The 4Matic is electronically controlled 35/65 front/rear split and uses traction control to direct wheel torque to the wheel that grips. The Quattro uses a torque sensing differential to tranfer the power and also has limited slip differentials at the wheels (I think). The Audi and MB need only one tire to grip to get traction and pull you out of trouble.

[Chamorro]

Haven't driven a 4matic, but the Quattro system is definitely a great AWD system, at least on the 2003 I've driven. Very seamless operation, very sure-footed. On the flip side, I don't know that I'd trust Audis built during the years you're looking at.

[Bob C.]

Spinedoc,

No E500 4Matic in those years. The E430 4Matic is a bit rare. Either way, don't forget to put on four Nokian winter tires (or your favorite winter tire)!

Regards,
Bob

[radunegru]

I am a mercedes fan but as far as Audi AWD is probably no comparison. Mercedes introduce the 4matic version to compete with Audi. In Germany the 4matic mercedes is practicaly unknown.I also test drive the audi alroad quttro and 4matic Eclass estate (wagon) ...audi perform better from my opinion.

[Ethan]

I don't know what New England snow is like, how often how deep how much ice.

Do some research on AWD systems they are a bit different from four-wheel-drive units

You have picked two very nice sophisticated high-end cars, If you were to ask me when the AWD sytems would blow away their two wheel drive versions all other things being equal I would set in damp wet conditions. On ice and snow things start to equal out with their two wheel drive versions.

Now put some high grip snow or rain Nokians on a Mitsubishi Evo or Subaru WRXi and empty the snowy roads these cars would be capable of amazing feats.

Just my opinion.

[DangerMouse]

Greetings,

I went through the same decision process for my wife's car before purchase. If you are not completely stuck on the A8(L), I highly recommend an A6q 2.7T of the same vintage instead. The A8 is roomy and handles like velvet, but insurance premiums are astronomical because of an all-aluminum frame as pointed out earlier. Plus, one could in theory outfit an A6 2.7T with aftermarket parts and produce an AWD speed demon with a luxury interior =^)

Of the mature AWD sedan manufacturers, I would rate the systems of Volkswagen AG (Audi) as most reliable, Nissan Motors (Infiniti) a close second, and Subaru third. Audi has performed more research and real-world testing of the quattro system than Mercedes for the relatively new 4matic.

Where did Nissan Motors come from? Many people incorrectly assume that the G35 AWD sedan is based on new technology. Just as the G35 platform is derived from the R34 Skyline, the AWD system is based on a 30-year old ATTESA design. Both Nissan and Subaru have proven their systems on the (rally) track for years.

Good luck with your decision!
-DM