2009 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 917 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen T5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen T5. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Avalanche | T5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 80 L |
