Old Sonic by far. The only Mario that was really good and showed true innovation was SMB3. I preferred the higher level of skill and fast pace that sonic offered. I beat first mario when I was about 5 or 6. First time I beat Sonic after so many times was around 9ish or so. On a side note Kid Chameleon destroys every Mario game out there.
Make games, not war (that goes for ridiculous fanboys)
I may be the next Maelstorm or not, you be the judge http://videogamesgrow.blogspot.com/ hopefully I can be more of an asset than a fanboy to VGC hehe.