Board Thread:Versus Debates/@comment-9782468-20141204220905/@comment-1018594-20141204234353

I'm gonna have to say Kakashi. Gaara was defeated by Deidara, while Kakashi was able to hold his own against Pain, the reanimated Jinchuriki, and Obito (who was said to be equal to Madara in his prime).

He has years of experience on Gaara, and he's seen him fight before so he knows all about his Armor and Shield of Sand. Gaara didn't really see any of Kakashi's fighting style until he used Kamui against Madara. His taijutsu is on par with Guy and he was able to hold his own against Minato when he first became a Jonin. Gaara's sand was said to be a better defense than Sasuke's Susanoo, but if Lee, not using the Eight Gates, could surpass it, someone like Kakashi should be able to.

Kakashi has the more varied set of ninjutsu out of anyone in the series: he can attack from any angle and at any distance, using any Nature Transformation. Plus, he's known to do fake-outs with Shadow Clones and trick his opponent into revealing more of their attack patterns. Once again, his experience as an Anbu and a Jonin means he knows how to deal with any enemy discreetly and with as little damage to himself as possible.

Itachi noted that Kakashi had more prowess with the Sharingan than most Uchiha. His Kamui only got better as time went on, being fast enough to warp away a single nail without Pain noticing and large enough to take an arm off the Gedo Mazo.

While I think Gaara has more of an advantage at a distance, Kakashi's more than able to close the gap. I'm not saying it'd be an easy win, but Kakashi would most likely come out on top.