Durango: So close, yet so far (and different)

I went to go visit a friend in Durango Saturday night.
As a crow flies Durango is not really that far from Telluride (120 miles SE), but to drive takes around 2 1/2 hours.

My first experiences with Durango were as a kid riding the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge train and going thru it on the way to Mesa Verde.

My next Durango experience was it was the final destination for the Colorado trail. Thirty three days of solo backpacking through the heart of Colorado (Denver to Durango 500+ miles) turned out to be the most physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging experience I have ever had to date.

Most Coloradoans have been to Durango, but unless you seek out Telluride it is not usually on the route. My first introduction to Telluride was in September of 2001.

Here are some Wikipedia references on Telluride and Durango.

10 differences between the two towns:

Population
Durango: As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 13,922
Telluride: As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,221

Area
Durango: The town has a total area of 17.6 km² (6.8 mi²)
Telluride: The town has a total area of 1.8 km² (0.7 mi²)

Demographics
Durango: Fort Lewis College sets the tone for the make up of the locals. Median Income - $34,892
Telluride: Playground for the wealthy. Median Income - $51,938

Stop lights and fast food chains
Durango: Many stop lights and fast food chains thru out the city
Telluride: No stop lights, 1 round-about, and no fast food chains

Box Canyon vs Valley
Durango: Close to many mountains, but resides in the Animas River Valley
Telluride: Sits in a box canyon. Steep forested mountains and cliffs surround it

Train vs Gondola
Durango: Has the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge train to move people around.
Telluride: Gondola moves people from Telluride to Mountain Village.

Nightlife
Durango: Many choices, each place tends to cater to one type of crowd and age.
Telluride: Fewer choices, more inter-mixing of the people.

Highway vs Destination
Durango: Is at the intersection US 160 (the Old Spanish Trail) and US 550
Telluride: Unless you are going to Telluride, you don't drive thru it.

Cost
Durango: Entres at a budget resturant: $7-$15
Telluride: Budget resturant, huh?

Scrub Oak vs Aspens
Durango: The surronding hills have Scrub Oak on them.
Telluride: The surrondig hills have Aspens and Evergreens on them.

Both tout them selves as Reai
Take from tourism slogans:
Durango: Real Town, Real Fun, Real Colorado, Get Real
Telluride: Rugged, Refined, Real