Theravada states that one's enlightenment should be achieved through self-effort, had no distinct gods, and fought for equality. Mahayana had people to help one achieve nirvana, had gods, and religious merit.
According to Vajrayana Buddhists in Tibet and elsewhere, Theravada limits the Buddha's message to the few, Mahayana opens it up to the many, but Vajrayana makes it possible to envision an entire Buddhist society.
Similarities Between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism
According to the BBC: Theravada and Mahayana are both rooted in the basic teachings of the historical Buddha, and both emphasise the individual search for liberation from the cycle of samsara (birth, death, rebirth...).
Learn more about Theravada and Mahayana here:
