He took the Corleones to the apogee of underworld power inthe US. So, I guess he was. But the Board members have never been quite content with judging Michael or Vito only by their crime success.
But when we are talking the best don in business sense (as a don is a supposed to be head of a criminal organistaion where money is the most important thing with power) I think mike was better then Vito, Vito never went in to drugs that was a bad decision, never saw paulie Gattos betrayal and also sending Luca to his death.
Mike on the other hand was cold, smart and suspected everyone. Used people when he needed and always tried to stay a head of the game regardless of morals.
Don wise mike is better.
Not including part 3 as that wasnt needed.
On the other hand, Vito was never subjected to a Senate interrogation; he never had any high level member of his family betray him; and he never had to anticipate (let alone actually) murdering a member of his blood family.
Fredo in a mafia sense had to be killed as he couldnt take it that his brother was the don of the family.
Hermen roth was a much stronger enemy then the five families and had the power to turn Frankie aganist mike but mike was still ruthless enough to stay on top. If any of the things happend to Vito i bet he wouldnt be ruthless enough to deal with the things mike had to in part 2.
Not only that Fredo was unhappy with Vitos decision of stepping him over, if Vito had talked to Fredo which i think he didnt then the fredo thing wouldnt have happend. So in other words you can blame Vito to an extent of Fredo going against the family.
Mike was stronger and better don as he also adapted to the new way, i also think Vito being an old school mafiso wouldnt be able to do that.
