How can you compare LEGO bricks to Tinkertoy sticks?

Answer 1

Well, that is pretty hard, since they are so different... but if you had to write a compare/contrast paper or something, there are some similarities...

They are both popular toys, and are both used for building. Children of similar ages can use them.

On the contrast side, LEGO bricks allow much more complex structures, can be used in a higher age range (including adults), and there are even sets with motors and lights.

Tinkertoy used to have a gigantic set with way oversized plastic versions of the toy, and I don't think that the makers of the LEGO product have ever had a gigantic version (biggest is their DUPLO line I believe).

The structures that can be made are very different, so even though you could make, for instance, a windmill with both kinds of toys, they would look and function differently.