of course sonic is a better character than mario.
but mario games are far better.

Sonic is a better character than Mario. Although I prefer Sonic when he doesn't talk and it's only a blue-fast-badass hedgegog. The VA in Sonic games isn't very good. But Mario games are definitely better. I enjoy Sonic Generations and Colors, but not at the same level as Mario games.

PS. First news about a Doctor Who game hahaha

I much prefer Sonic as a character. He is a freedom fighter, liberating mechanized animals from a mad industrialist. Not to mention that he treats his friends rather well. Mario on the other hand is pretty much a sociopath ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WMSQNVhMqA ) allied with a false princess ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OaTwR8vXcc ), and his primary motivation seems to be cake. Mario has way better games, though.

This was only an example. 

PC gaming is maybe more revenue than PS4, but PS4 is more popular for gamers. PC does not have exclusives like The Last of Us, God of War, Ratchet & Clank...

Super Mario Bros. had no good competition at that time, it was obviously that it wouldn't flop. And even if we compare the first Sonic game with Super Mario World, Sonic is better imo. 

Mario without a doubt.

Super Mario World sold 20M despite this "good" competition of Sonic. ;)

Sales is not quality.

Sonic's sales have massively dropped because of bad quality.

Dude, I am talking about the first game of each franchise.

For me:

Sonic > Mario >>>>> Sonic the moment he opens his mouth.