"Compared to" is used when you are emphasizing the differences between two things. This is more about contrasting them and highlighting how they are dissimilar.
Example: "The new model is compared to the old one, much more efficient." (This highlights the difference in efficiency between the old and new model.)
"Compared with" is used when you are simply drawing a comparison, focusing on similarities or differences. This is a more neutral way to present the comparison.
Example: "The two cars are similar in size, compared with other vehicles in their class." (This focuses on comparing the size aspect, without emphasizing differences.)
Here's a simple rule of thumb:
* "Compared to" is often used when the comparison is more about highlighting the differences.
* "Compared with" is often used when the comparison is more about analyzing the similarities and differences.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the context of your sentence and the specific nuance you want to convey.