Anime vs Cartoons?

They just differ in origin. Westerners call it cartoons while Asians call it Anime.

Anime is mainly recognized as asian animations and cartoons all others. Anime doesn't mean cartoon in Japan; I highly prefer anime over cartoons simply because anime isn't always child minded and has depth and a very interesting story. Some anime is very adult-oriented unlike cartoons. I mean look at some: Gantz, Bible black (not one that i watch, but an example none the less) Samurai X, etc...

To me, cartoons are just brainless animation, like Donald Duck, Garfield etc. For animes, there are a lot of hidden meanings behind each character, and each character is well-developed with a good plot and action behind it. :)

I really don't make a distinction between the two----to the best of my knowledge, Japanese people consider Mickey Mouse, Daffy Duck, and Yogi Bear anime characters. Anime (in its original language) just refers to animation, I believe, but I have a definite preference for Japanese animation.

Anime is simply the Japanese term for cartoons, but I understand what your question is hinting at. I go for Japanese anime anytime. They have the wackiest, most hilarious, most profound storylines. And the most vivid art I have ever seen.

anime would be the best for me but cartoons was the one who originated first

What we call anime,(japanese animation) is withought a doubt superior from cartoons.Anime series have great stories full of imagination and depth,strong character development,and even the ones that look silly or childish have lots of moral lessons and values such as friendship and never giving up.Cartoons are usually tasteless,and not immersive at all.

this is just my observation on the differance between cartoons (USA) and anime. the main difference i can tell is storyline wise. the anime storylines (especially ones geared towards teens and adults) are more complicated and deep and continue throughout the serious, which a cartoon is meant for children with limited attention spans where the storyline concludes in 1 epsiodes and sometimes branches over 2-3 but the most part stays short. most anime can be explained as a simple live action TV drama but in 30min animated form. both have their better qualities, especially for different age groups. some cartoons like Teen Titans had a good ongoing storyline most of the time, but normally ended in their short season. which after they itcontinued onto another storyline.

Hmm, Japanese called their cartoons as Anime short for Animation. I think they did this to differentiate animation of Japan from Western Cartoons. I think the main differences of cartoons to anime is the culture adaptation. Anime are usually based on the life of Japanese and their cultures. However, cartoons of course adapt the western culture and more likely related to their lives. Also, cartoons and anime differ on graphics, on how they draw it. We all know that anime have a really good graphics than the western cartoons, I think it's one of the reasons, why Anime becomes popular. As for my opinion of which is better, I really prefer Anime. I like their stories , of course graphics and their music. :D