Star Trek vs. Star Wars

IT’S THE ULTIMATE FAN ARGUMENT: WHICH IS BETTER? PARTISAN FEELINGS RUN DEEP ON BOTH SIDES, BUT IN HONOR OF TREK’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY, TIME’S EDITORS SIZED UP THE RIVALRY IN 10 KEY CATEGORIES. HERE’S OUR COMPLETELY IMPARTIAL GUIDE TO THE GALAXY’S GREATEST DEBATE

THE FLAGSHIP

U.S.S. Enterprise vs. Millennium Falcon

The U.S.S. Enterprise, in all of its incarnations, is a futuristic aircraft carrier, conveying hundreds of crew members and projecting Federation power while also exploring new worlds. Han Solo’s ship, in contrast, is more like the SUV of space vessels: a rugged and (mostly) reliable transport for a small band.

Winner: Star Trek

Here’s why: The Falcon may have famously made the Kessel Run in “less than 12 parsecs,” but the basic design of the Enterprise—with its saucer section and two engine nacelles—has remained iconic for more than 50 years.

THE ENEMY

Borg Cube vs. Death Star

Both are fearsome combatants. Redundant technology on a Borg ship allows it to absorb massive amounts of damage and still function. On the Death Star, technology seems to function well, though the middle managers who run the station have repeatedly proved incompetent.

Winner: Star Wars

Here’s why: A Borg Cube can slice a section out of an opponent’s ship, but the Death Star has enough firepower to blow up an entire planet.

HAND WEAPON

Phaser vs. Lightsaber

Phasers are mass-produced weapons that pack a lot of punch in a small package—they can even be programmed to overload as an improvised grenade. The lightsaber is, as Obi-Wan Kenobi described it, “an elegant weapon,” and it can also deflect shots from blasters (the phasers of the Star Trek universe).

Winner: TIE

Here’s why: A phaser offers more utility, since it can stun or kill an opponent or just heat rocks to keep you warm, but a lightsaber looks good, sounds good and instantly signals your strength with the Force.

THE ANDROID

Data vs. C-3PO

Data, a human-looking android, is a key trusted crew member in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He has even commanded a starship in combat. Threepio is much shinier—and often forced to serve as comic relief in the Star Wars universe.

Winner: Star Trek

Here’s why: Data has become a beloved character both for his persistence in trying to become more human and for fighting for equal rights for artificial life-forms (unlike a certain subservient protocol droid).

CUDDLY CHARACTERS

Tribbles vs. Ewoks

Although they’re soft and furry, fast-breeding Tribbles don’t look particularly cute—but their purring is known to have a powerfully soothing effect on humans. Ewoks, who are native to the forest moon of Endor, are essentially sentient teddy bears.

Winner: Star Wars

Here’s why: The Ewoks are indisputably adorable, but they also rock as allies in battle, improvising weapons and traps to defeat adversaries.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

United Federation of Planets vs. The Empire

It’s not entirely clear how Star Trek’s Federation is governed, but it appears to be essentially democratic. Its high ideals—including a non-interference Prime Directive—make it a good neighbor. The Empire of Star Wars, despite having roots in a more democratic republic, exercises brutal control over its territory.

Winner: Star Trek

Here’s why: The Federation generally keeps the peace and respects diversity but doesn’t shrink from a fight when threatened.

EXPENDABLE CHARACTERS

Redshirts vs. Stormtroopers

It appears no space fleet can get by without cannon fodder. Trek’s crimson-shirted officers have such a brief life expectancy that the term “redshirt” is now used generically for characters who die shortly after their first appearance. But work conditions are even worse for stormtroopers, who seem to have galactically bad aim in firefights.

Winner: Star Trek

Here’s why: The trope of the clueless redshirt has become a reliable—and cherished—aspect of fandom.

HAIRSTYLE (MEN’S)

Spock vs. Han Solo

To be fair to Han Solo, it was the 1970s. Mussed and a little shaggy was sexy—and easy to care for when on the run from Jabba the Hutt. Though most men in the original Trek series seemed to have pointed sideburns, Spock paired his with an achingly precise style that showed off his pointed ears and slanted eyebrows.

Winner: Star Trek

Here’s why: Han’s look says “scoundrel” (the good kind), but Spock’s hair is instantly recognizable—even to earthlings.

HAIRSTYLE (WOMEN’S)

Yeoman Rand vs. Princess Leia

To be fair to Yeoman Rand and her beehive coiffure, she was appearing on a TV show smack in the 1960s, which spanned mod looks to hippie fashions. Leia’s coiled-bun hairdo, meanwhile, was a true original.

Winner: Star Wars

Here’s why: Which look would you rather sport at a costume party?

BEST BAR

Ten-Forward vs. The Mos Eisley cantina

The most notable bar in Star Trek is Next Generation’s Ten-Forward, a sleek and mostly sedate space overseen by Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg), bartender and unofficial counselor. To grab a drink in Star Wars, head to the iconic Mos Eisley cantina on Tatooine, also a great place to hire a mercenary ship.

Winner: Star Wars

Here’s why: Mos Eisley may be a “wretched hive of scum and villainy,” as Obi-Wan Kenobi put it, but the music is great—and the staff won’t try to serve you synthehol, Starfleet’s alcohol substitute.