Buffy Summers and Elena Gilbert are supernatural heroines who share significant similarities. The leading ladies of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Vampire Diaries both acquire magical abilities, share passionate affairs with brooding vampires, and protect their hometowns of Sunnydale and Mystic Falls from various paranormal threats.

RELATED: 5 Things The Vampire Diaries Did Better Than Buffy (& 5 Buffy Did Better)

Both characters are similar, but Buffy and Elena face different dangers that highlight their differences. Buffy's role as a Slayer forces her to fight for the greater good, whereas the supernatural events in Elena's life are often the consequences of her romance with the Salvatore brothers. Both heroines are iconic, but who is superior?

Buffy: Slayer Strength

Buffy about to stake a vamp in Season 2

Buffy is a formidable opponent to face in a fight. Imbued with mystical power, the Slayer possesses exceptional strength, speed, and accelerated healing. Buffy has mastered several martial arts, making her one of the best fighters in the Buffyverse.

Elena Gilbert (in her human incarnation) would be no match for Buffy in battle. Elena may have trained with Alaric Saltzman, but her training falls short compared to the Slayer's skills.

Elena: Vampire Powers

Elena smiling in The Vampire Diaries.

Elena may not be a match for Buffy as a human, but in her vampire form, the doppelganger could overpower the Slayer. Vampires from The Vampire Diaries are stronger and faster than their counterparts in the Buffyverse and have the advantage of compulsion.

As a vampire, Elena is physically stronger than Buffy. If her strength fails then the doppelganger could compel her opponent.

Buffy: Saved The World A Lot

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Chosen

Buffy proved herself to be a selfless heroine several times throughout the series. The Slayer stopped the apocalypse and saved the world more than once, defeating Big Bads such as the Mayor, Glory, and the First Evil.

Elena faced off against some evil characters, but her confrontations were more personal than Buffy's. The doppelganger fought to protect her loved ones, whereas the Slayer fought to protect the world.

Elena: Had A Happy Ending To Her Story

Vampire Diaries Finale Elena Parents

Elena and Buffy both suffered immensely throughout their respective shows. However, Elena's endgame was more of a traditional "happily ever after." After awakening from her coma, the doppelganger reunites with Damon and her friends, leading a happy life before joining her family in death.

RELATED: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: 5 Villains From The Vampire Diaries Buffy Could Defeat (& 5 She Doesn't Stand A Chance Against)

Since Buffy's story continued in comic books, her final scene in season 7's "Chosen" lacks the resolution of Elena's. Elena's arc is perfect for viewers who want a happy ending for their series heroine.

Buffy: Trained A New Generation Of Slayers

Buffy becomes a leader in the final season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, spearheading the fight against the First Evil. Although she struggles in her new role, Buffy ultimately trains a new generation of Potential Slayers and helps to protect them by sharing her Slayer powers.

Elena helps her friends throughout The Vampire Diaries, though she never steps into a role of responsibility like Buffy does. The Slayer saves the world and equips a new generation of girls with immense power in the process.

Elena: More Focus On Romance

Buffy had her fair share of passionate romances with iconic love interests like Angel and Spike. The stakes were always higher in Buffy. Elena's iconic love triangle with the Salvatore brothers is perfect for viewers seeking a sizzling paranormal romance.

The Vampire Diaries has a larger romantic focus than Buffy. Elena's relationships with Stefan and Damon are at the forefront of the show's action, driving the story in each season.

Buffy: Sacrificed Herself For Dawn

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Dawn

In the fifth season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Buffy embraces a new responsibility in the form of being a big sister to Dawn. Buffy fights to protect Dawn from Glory before sacrificing herself to save her sister — and the world — in "The Gift."

RELATED: Which Buffy The Vampire Slayer Character Are You Based On Your Chinese Zodiac Type?

Buffy has proven time and time again that she is a truly selfless heroine. The Slayer sacrificed herself more than once to save the lives of her loved ones.

Elena: Sacrificed Herself For Matt

Buffy isn't the only supernatural heroine to sacrifice herself for a loved one. In the third season of The Vampire Diaries, Elena and Matt face certain death after they are driven off-road by Rebekah into the water depths below Wickery Bridge.

Stefan arrives to save the day, but Elena insists that he save Matt's life instead of hers. The doppelganger dies so her friend can live, triggering her transition into a vampire.

Buffy: Fought Against Evil

Buffy consistently displayed heroic qualities by fighting against the forces of evil. The Slayer defeated a multitude of vampires, demons and evil entities, saving the lives of countless innocent people.

Elena faced evil figures such as Klaus and Silas in The Vampire Diaries, but usually to protect herself and her friends. Buffy took a more actively heroic role as the Slayer throughout her series.

Elena: Became A Doctor So She Could Help People

Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert The Vampire Diaries in front of a sign for Elena Salvatore, M.D.

Elena may not have had Slayer powers, but she still dedicated her life to helping others by becoming a doctor. The doppelganger resists her vampiric bloodlust in season 6 by training at the hospital. She later becomes a fully qualified doctor after the events of The Vampire Diaries.

Elena was a compassionate character, a quality she shares with Buffy. Both characters are compelling protagonists with unique traits that juxtapose each other. Either woman could be considered the superior supernatural heroine.

NEXT: The Vampire Diaries: 5 Buffy Villains The Salvatore Brothers Could Defeat (& 5 They Don't Stand A Chance Against)