From where I see, there is no difference between the two. They both were enlightened Shramana masters. Jina - The Mahavira was the last and 24th Tirthankara (Ford-maker) of Shramana tradition and Gautama - The Buddha its brightest star ever because of whom this tradition is now well known across the globe..
Similarly, it is asked, who is older Buddha or Mahavira?
Mahavira was born a little before the Buddha. While the Buddha was the founder of Buddhism, Mahavira did not found Jainism. He is the 24th great teacher (Tirthankar) in the Jain tradition that was founded in the present era by Rishabh or Adinath, thousands of years before Mahavira.
Secondly, are Buddha and Mahavira contemporary? Mahavira and Gautama Buddha are generally accepted as contemporaries. Jainism and Buddhism share many features, terminology and ethical principles, but emphasize them differently.
Also question is, did Buddha and Mahavira meet?
No, they never met. Gautam Buddha and Lord Mahavira never met. Buddha was born before Mahavira and preached "Madhyam Marg" after he could not follow the strict practices of Jainism. Since they were both very popular so it can be easily concluded that Buddha knew of Mahavira as well.
Are Jainism and Buddhism similar?
Jainism is a much more ancient religion as compared to Buddhism. The Jaina concept of soul is different from that of Buddhism. Jainism believes that everything in nature, even stone and water, has a soul of its own. Buddhism does not believe so.
Related Question Answers
How Did Buddha die?
Gautama Buddha ate his last meal, (either a mushroom or pork dish) which he had received as an offering from a blacksmith. He then fell violently ill, possibly from food poisoning, the Buddha realized that his end was approaching fast. In modern parlance we would say he died of food poisoning.Does Buddhism have a holy book?
What is the sacred text (Holy Book) of Buddhists? The sacred book of Buddhism is called the Tripitaka (called Tipitaka in Pali). Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists generally accept the Tripitaka (called Tipitaka in Pali) as the Buddhist sacred writings.Who is the founder of Buddhism?
Siddhartha Gautama
Is Buddha Jain?
Buddhism is centered upon the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, whereas Jainism is centered on the life and teachings of Mahavira. Jainism is also a polytheistic religion and it's goals are based on non-violence and liberation the soul.Who is founder of Jainism?
Mahavira
Why is Buddhism more popular than Jainism?
One of the main reasons is that Buddhism has given a more equal role to women than Jainism. Also Buddhism modified the more rigid ascetic practices and believes of Jainism. Also it gained royal patronage from kings like Ashoka the great, thus spreading its influence in different parts of India and world.Why is Buddhism called the middle path?
Dhamacakkappavattana Sutta. In this sutta, the Buddha describes the Noble Eightfold Path as the middle way of moderation, between the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification: Monks, these two extremes ought not to be practiced by one who has gone forth from the household life.When did Mahaveer born?
Ambaratej Singh, India Vaishali
What is difference between Mahavira and Buddha?
The greatest contradiction between the two is that GAUTAMA BUDDHA DENIES THE SOUL AND MAHAVIRA ENDORSE THE SOUL. But, at the deepest point they do not have any differences. On the other hand Mahavir said, the person who realise himself as a soul, is liberated.What did Buddha teach?
Buddha's teachings are known as “dharma.” He taught that wisdom, kindness, patience, generosity and compassion were important virtues. Specifically, all Buddhists live by five moral precepts, which prohibit: Killing living things. Taking what is not given.Is Siddhartha and Buddha the same person?
Siddhartha is a Sanskrit personal name which means "He Who Achieves His Goal". The name is best known in English as the title of the novel by Hermann Hesse, in which the main character (who actually is not the Buddha) is named Siddhartha. Pali literature normally refers to Siddhartha Gautama as Gotama Buddha.What do you mean by Sangha?
Sangha is a Sanskrit word that means "association," "assembly," "company" or "community." It is mostly used to describe the Buddhist community of ordained monks and nuns. In Buddhism, the Sangha is the third of the Three Jewels, along with the Buddha and the dharma (the teaching).Where did Mahavira achieve nirvana?
Nirvana and moksha According to Jain texts, Mahavira's nirvana (death) occurred in the town of Pawapuri in present-day Bihar.In what language did Buddha and Mahavira teach?
According to Theravada Buddhism, the only surviving Buddhist sect dating back to at least the Ashoka's time (3rd. Century BCE), the Buddha speaks a special Magadhi language called Pāli. This is the language still used in their sacred texts. Neither Buddha nor Mahavira preached in Sanskrit?Which came first Buddhism or Jainism?
If Lord Mahavira is taken as the founder of Jainism, then both Jainism and Buddhism originated almost at the same time. But Lord Mahavira is NOT the founder of Jainism; he only re-established Jainism. If that be so, Jainism is obviously older than Buddhism. Gautam Buddha and Lord Mahavira were contemporaries.Is Jainism the oldest religion in the world?
In spite of its obscure origin, Jainism is the oldest religion in the world, or truly it is not a religion but more like a way of life. Jainism preaches complete non-violence, peace, and kindness towards all creatures of nature.Why Jainism was not popular as Buddhism?
The main reason was the travel restrictions for Jain monks. They were and still are not allowed to use any vehicles. This restricted the spread of Jainism outside India. On the other hand, Buddhist monks travelled many places world-wide and spread the message of Buddha.How did Vardhamana Mahavira die?
Starvation
Where in India is Jainism practiced?
As per the 2011 census, there are 4,451,753 Jains in the 1.21 billion population of India, the majority living in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, however, the influence of Jainism has been far greater on the Indian population than these numbers suggest. 
