Topic: Avalanche vs. Escalade EXT?

[vonirkinshtine]

So...other than badging and slight styling differences, what's the difference between a Chevy Avalanche and a Cadillac Escalade EXT?  What about the Escalade's AWD system.  How is it different from the Av's 4WD system?

[MyBigToy]

The biggest difference is in the motor - the 1st generation Caddy has the 6.0 liter vs. the 5.3 liter in the Av so it has considerably more oomph than the Av.

With AWD you don't get the low range 4X4 and I believe you don't get true 4-wheel drive (no transfer case so you can't lock it in 4X4). I'm not sure on that as I've never been inside an Escalade EXT but by it being termed AWD I assume (and you know what happens when you do that!) it uses torque sensing to send power from the rear drive to the front when slippage is sensed.

You also get nicer interior trim with the Caddy.

[oHIobellboy]

I second what MBT said. We've looked at a few Denali's and EXT's for the Mrs. (used of course) and I don't like the fact of it being all wheel drive and not being able to select 4x4 when you want to. I take my Avy about once a month to a large yard at work, lock it in 4x4 and drive around a few minutes just to keep things lubed up and working. It can't hurt.

[Intimidatoruag]

plus the added resale of the Caddy and the painted sales over the av and wow factor of the Caddy .... 

[vonirkinshtine]

The Caddy almost looks too nice though, lol.  I'd be afraid to haul bulk cargo around, like mulch, or sand, or stuff like that.  Also it would be kinda nice to have a steel front and rear bumper without a plastic fascia over it (which I'm assuming the caddy has...at least it looks like it to me).

Is there anything that one needs to be aware of with the drivetrain?  Specifically I assume an AWD system wouldn't be as "beefy" as 4WD.  Am I incorrect?