4 wheel drive is great but im sure the price on the MB Sprinter 4 wheel drive model will be a lot. what they need to do is trickle that tech down to the ProMaster

 

The factory 4x4 costs about $8,000 more then the 2 wheel drive in England.
4x4 conversions for GM Ford and Nissan run about $12,000 at Quigley in US.
Sprinter 4x4 conversions at Whitefeather in US run about $21,000.

http://tools.mercedes-benz.co.uk/current/vans/pdfs/price-lists/sprinter-price-list.pdf

 

How much more does the Promaster cost in Canada compared to the Sprinter?

I'd think the 4x4 Sprinter would cost big $$

I'm guessing snow is a concern which is why you would want a 4x4?

Well FWD > RWD in the snow.

AWD is the most ideal but FWD can work with good winter tires. It beats RWD thats for sure.

 

In Canada the basic low roof 1500 136" WB diesel Promaster prices out at $40,290 MSRP. The diesel is a $6000 option. Diesel and 7 speed auto are standard on the Sprinter.

Both Promaster and Sprinter have some sort of electronic brake locking differential. Traction should be equal in 2 wheel drives depending on weight distribution.

 

...in Canada a base model low roof 1500 136" WB diesel Promaster cost more then a low roof 2500 144" WB diesel Sprinter....

It seems to be at the small end where the price is closest. MB adds $2500 for high roof while PM adds only $1000. Didn't compare the longer models but I suspect similar. If you want big and base, PM might save some money.
On the other hand, PM adds $1000 to go from 1500 to 2500. Other than springs, what's upgraded? Do you get bigger brakes? The rear axle shouldn't cost much more since it's essentially a trailer axle.

 

$6000 optional diesel is a lot but worth it. Does anyone know how long it will take for someone to make their money back on the $6000 premium?

 

problem with FWD in the winter time, especially in a vehicle that will be as rear heavy with cargo as Promaster is rear slide. The front will handle fine but under breaking the rear will have a strange desire to pass the front end in slippery conditions...

 

Pick your poison. Contrast with a RWD van that when empty, is going to slide everywhere.

fwiw, I think RAM should of had ABS as standard on all Promasters, as it does help in snow conditions, and not just panic stops.

 

AWD in the Ducato is a 6000€ option in Europe. Maybe in the future It'll be available in the USA...

 

http://www.dangel.com/mediadb/1180_EN DUCATO.pdf

Since it resorts to an IRS in the 4WD conversion, it's still easy to keep the floor height lower than the RWD competitors with their live axles.

 

I think the Promaster has the Esp as standard in the US...
Using winter tyres it'll be very safe and easy to drive on the snow and ice.

 

All modern vans have some sort of Esp where brakes are used to stop a spinning wheel. Nothing unique or special with Promaster.

When Ram describes this system as Brake Lock Differential under Standard Features they are deceiving. It does not lock the differential to cause both drive wheels to turn at the same time.

 

I think the system include also the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) wich is offered in Europe with the TCS (standard traction control) and TCS+ (traction control with auto-locking differential simulation).
The ESP is a system that control the stability using the throttle modulation and the brakes and is far more advanced and effective than the ABS.
The ABS work only when you are braking, the ESP keep under control the stability of the vehicle constantly, using accelerometers and gyroscopes.

 

so they baked ABS into ESP is what you're saying?

 

In Europe ABS is standard (it's compulsory), after you can pay for the ESP plus TCS and pay more for ESP plus TCS+.

 

I am sure it has ABS and traction control. Separately

 

thats what I'm thinking..

 

fwiw, I think RAM should of had ABS as standard on all Promasters, as it does help in snow conditions, and not just panic stops.[/QUOTE]

The ProMaster has ABS as well as ESC.

 

In Europe the FIAT Ducato ESP (ESP is a Bosch trademark) includes also the LAC (Load Adaptive Control) that evaluates the vehicle's load and the centre of gravity and than adjust the electronic stability control.
ESP package includes also ASR, MSR, hill holder ...
The safety systems are integrated.
Also the MB Sprinter in Europe has similar options.