mb350

We got a ghia AWD and last week got to drive a friends TS RWD. To be honest I couldn't tell the difference. During the school holidays we did 2000km (roughly) and tried to test out some of the AWD capabilites. On dirt roads, DSC only activated when you pushed the car in a way that you wouldn't ordinarily do. I haven't and wont bother test it on tar. The width of the tyres and weight of the vehicle keep it well grounded and if for some reason you stuff up, the DSC works how it suppose to.

Didn't try and climb hills greater than 30 degrees but we did plough into a 10 metre rut of 20cm mud. With the brakes tapping away madly on whatever wheel spun we managed to get out backwards. Slowly didn't work though, I had to increase and maintain revs a bit to get momentum.

Fuel consumption on highway was 12.5 L/100km compared to 12.7 I worked out manually. I was happy with that. It gets around 14 or 15 around town.

There seems to be a whole bunch of reasons such as safety, fuel consumption, resale value etc that help buyers decide. Whatever you do, don't buy it as a 4wd. With DSC and HDC (which I haven't got) it can't be compared to a high torque diesel with transfer case and good clearance.

Don't think I've helped really, but rest assured either version makes a great cruiser. So much more comfortable than the 99 Au wagon we used to have. Good luck.