When posing the question, "Is your car a 4-matic or rear wheel drive?" many customers do not know! The distribution of 4-matics was, for the most part, in northern climates for obvious reasons, but 2nd generation owners acquire 4-matics through auction and the lease system in other parts of the country where 4 wheel drive vehicles are not in great demand for commuter usage.

For those readers contemplating the purchase of a second generation 4-matic car, the advantages always outweigh all other factors except one. Plainly and simply, operating a 4-wheel drive vehicle costs significantly more, especially when these cars have attained the 100,000 mileS mark.

The 4-matic provides better handling and better traction - handling which cannot be attained by the rear wheel drive model. However, this comes at a price: lower fuel economy as well as requiring more operation parts, such as additional drive shaft, differential, axles, and tire consumption. Overall, for the average Atlanta driver, I would opt for the rear wheel drive vehicle.