Brandon Routh vs. Henry Cavill

Routh wins.

I'd have to go with Routh. He could have done with a better costume though (not so high at the neck, larger \S/ - both of which thankfully were put right for his appearance on COIE).

Henry Cavill by far.. Brandon Routh seemed more like an underwear model the way his version came off and definitely not masculine enough.. Henry Cavill by a mile

Cavill got bad movies, especially Batman v Superman. Of course, Routh got a pretty bad movie, too. Too bad for both these guys. Cavill would probably be my pick overall... I wonder what he could do in a movie with a great story and actual characterization?

For me definitely Henry Cavill is the better Superman actor. Routh was just too unexperienced during his Superman and thus felt bland. He was basically just doing Christopher Reeve impressions. I don't mind that, as Superman Returns wants to be a continuation to Superman 2. But with this his Superman is totally forgettable. Later in Atom he showed a much much better impression of a super hero, so he has proven that he is capable of playing charismatic super heros.
But Henry Cavill was from the beginning Superman and convinced in the role, even when directed by Zack Snyder. So as Superman the answer has to be for me Henry Cavill. But Cavill was also older and more experienced at time of filming.

As super hero actors I would call it a draw. Both are charming and convincing.

It is kind of comparing Sean Connery with George Lazenby.