Okies, lets see... If Mario and Link were pitted against each other Link would win due to having a sword, shield, bow, boomerang, hookshot, clawshot, slingshot and iron boots.
In general popularity, Mario trashes Link, but Sonic is officially the most popular video game character.
I think Link is better. So what Mario shoots fire from his hands but that doesn't mean he's better! Link has: A sword (two swords actually) a clawshot, a double clawshot, a ball and chain, a bow and arrow (that can hold up to 100 arrows) iron boots, a boomerang, a slingshot, a rod that can bring statues to LIFE!, and HIS OWN PERSONAL FAIRIE seriously can't argue with that Even though Mario was my first GBA game I still think Link is better.