Avant is totally different, it just using the IE engine. The web site says this:
"Full IE Compatibility: Avant Browser comes with all Internet Explorer functions, including Cookies, ActiveX Controls, Java Script, Real player and Macromedia Flash. IE bookmarks are automatically imported into Avant Browser."
"No security holes: Avant Browser doesn't contain any functions or codes to help other people or programs to access your computer."
It blocks all the same stuff as FF, whatever you want, pictures, scripts, flash, popups, java, etc.. Plus the best tabbed browsing I've ever used. I've never had a breach. Better temps cleaning, better control of what you see, and tons of cool functions, built-in search bar, mouse gestures, yadda yadda.
Not that I'm not debating anybody's opinion, but I've used it for a long long time, on all the PCs I use regularly, and it does not pass on IE's most annoying aspects. Not at all. It does it's job very well. The main thing is that by definition it supports any page written for IE, sans the crap I don't want. And it is noticeably faster. I like their constant work and frequent updates, always making minor adjustments for speed and reliability.
Note I'd probably use FF full time if it had better tab control, and a few Avantish features I just can't live without.
Cheers
And no, I'm not an Avant salesman, lol. It just has a very good track record with me, using it for countless hours and countless pages, on many many PCs. I have no qualms. It is most definitely not just IE with some extra tool bars. And I'll have words with anyone who says otherwise. haha, just kidding guys, but seriously. No, I'm speaking from much experience.