The objective of this work is to give a comparative characterization of aluminosilicate MCM-41 and zeolite Y, in particular with respect to acidity and catalytic properties in hydrocarbon cracking. These studies are compared to a well investigated amorphous aluminosilicate, based on the fact that the new mesoporous MCM-41 materials are a mixture of ordered material with amorphous pore walls. Characterization of differently treated MCM-41 materials and zeolite Y for comparison by Nz sorption, XRD, TPAD (Temperature Programmed Ammonia Desorption) with in situ FT-IR in combination with catalytic testing by MAT (Micro Activity Test) is discussed. Combination of the characterization data and the catalytic testing gives an interesting explanation of the surface properties especially in comparison with zeolite Y.