head to head
vs
Sid Meier's Civilization IVvsStellaris
Sid Meier's Civilization IV leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Stellaris leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Sid Meier's Civilization IVStellaris
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 0
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads2 vs 3
Stellaris leans harder on reads: AI is scripted; multiplayer adds modest adaptation.
Variance4 vs 5
Stellaris leans harder on variance: Galaxy gen, anomalies, and crises vary widely.
Optimization9 vs 9
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.