head to head
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.

Execution · Pure Mechanics
A memorise-and-dodge test through fixed arcade bullet patterns.

Execution · Pure Mechanics
Precise jump execution across fixed levels with secrets to memorise.
1941: Counter Attack leans Execution (Pure Mechanics); Super Mario World leans Execution (Pure Mechanics).
1941: Counter Attack leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
1941: Counter Attack
Weaving through bullet patterns demands sustained precise dodging
Super Mario World
Perfect inputs trivialise every jump, spin and cape flight
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
1941: Counter Attack
Enemy waves are identical scripted patterns
Super Mario World
Scripted Koopas adapt to nothing
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
1941: Counter Attack
Nothing meaningful varies between credits
Super Mario World
Levels are fixed; nothing hidden survives one playthrough
1941: Counter Attack leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
1941: Counter Attack
Memorising spawns and managing power-ups defines high scores
Super Mario World
Secret exits and route knowledge add a modest solvable layer
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.