It is hard to compare the two games, particularly when you say as a series. Diablo is not an MMO for starters and World of Warcraft is not a series, it is an MMORPG with several expansions that add on to the core game.
There are a couple reasons why it's hard to compare the two as a series largely comes from the fact that Warcraft is an inconsistent series. It started out as an RTS (Real-Time Strategy) and changed into an MMORPG. (World of Warcraft) Where Diablo has remained the same, consistent action RPG/hack-and-slash game since it first started.
Another reason why it is hard to compare the two is still based off of World of Warcraft being an MMORPG. This allows it to be an ever expanding game with quite literally no end, where Diablo is forced to end at some point.
If you exclude World of Warcraft (as it is truly not part of the Warcraft series) then I would have to say my favourite series is Diablo. The reason for this is because of the creepy environment, the attention to detail and the overall great story line.
The proper comparison would have to be with World of Warcraft vs. Either Final Fantasy, Tera, Guild Wars, etc.