There is no which is better than which. Each has strengths and weaknesses.

Arguments for direct downloads:
=Direct downloads don't die because noone want to seed.
=They don't go rediculously slow like torrent does when there are few seeders/leechers.
=And from the above 2 points, direct downloads have a higher completion chance.
=More user friendly. Easier to use.
=Don't need to configure ur torrent client and all that stuff to acheive maximum efficiency.
=Can use anywhere. most public locations block torrent and other P2P.
=Don't have to seed.

Arguments for torrent and P2P
=If u are connected to lots of peers, it can be faster than direct download.
=No need to deal with restrictions imposed upon u by file hosting sites, e.g rapidshare.
=FAR LARGER range of stuff u can be found.
=Can get all kinds of illegal stuff.
=Can easily resume downloads (irect downloads can also be resumed using download managers, but not all sites support them)
=Easier to seach for stuff, e.g isohunt.com. There's nothing like that for direct downloads.


Basically, if i can download something directly, using HTTP or FTP, i almost always do that, unless the site gives very poo poo speed, like 2kbit/s.

If i want illegal stuff/stuff i can find only on P2P, then torrent or eMule. Limewire sucks, and so dows most other P2P.