When you think great rivalry, forget the Unites States vs. the USSR. Forget Iowa State vs. Iowa. Forget salty snacks vs. savory treats. We all know what the greatest rivalry of all time is.

Pepsi vs. Coke.

In the red corner awaits the ultra-giant Coca-Cola, and in the blue corner, the up-and-coming challenger Pepsi eagerly takes its competition to the next level. No matter where you come from or what you call soft drinks, practically everyone has witnessed firsthand the competition between these two refreshing beverages.

I am here to tell you that in this match-up, there is a clear winner, and that winner is Pepsi.

Ever since its inception as Brad’s Drink in 1898, Pepsi has been known for its refreshing taste and universal appeal. Pepsi has continually been a leader in progressive thinking, from its use of a more economical 12-ounce bottle introduced during the Great Depression — twice the size of Coca-Cola bottles — for the same price, to its aggressive marketing campaign during the 1940s that included minority spokespeople.

Pepsi has never been afraid to push the limits and truly is an inspiration to individuals everywhere. When thoughts of progress and the advancement of the human race occur, Pepsi should certainly be one of the first actors to come to mind.

This is all the more impressive considering Pepsi’s continual position as the underdog to Coca-Cola. As the best selling soft drink, Coca-Cola definitely had the resources and safety to try to expand their consumer satisfaction. Pepsi, even when struggling against its giant competitor, never backed down from a new idea that might give their customers more enjoyment for their money. They have pursued customer satisfaction with a tenacity that would put a dog chasing its tail to shame.

The reactionary mega-corporation of Coca-Cola, on the other hand, has eternally been the content Goliath in the soft drink company. Even their advertisements have shown that they are merely worshipping upon the altar of their larger-than-life creation.

Coca-Cola has traditionally focused on the drink itself in their countless ads that portray a can or bottle of Coca-Cola on ice. They have even enlisted the aid of fantasy endorsers, such as Santa Claus and polar bears innumerable, none of which have ever really held a Coca-Cola.

Pepsi, on the other hand, focuses on its consumers. Pepsi advertisements are known for associating their drink with people — the people who buy their product. We can see through these ads what the two companies cherish most. Coca-Cola bows down to its dark creation, while Pepsi prefers to place consumers everywhere on its pedestal.

Even the main color of the labels can provide some insight into the differences between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Coca-Cola cans sport a bright red color, the hue of associated with danger, evil and numerous regimes around the world that are known for treating their people as mere numbers. Pepsi, for its part, is draped in a deep blue, which has associations with calm, a refreshing coolness and the home of life itself, the oceans. These color trends are so evident that there is simply no way they could be mere coincidences.

Of course, most people probably do not actually enjoy a beverage because it identifies more closely with the American spirit of progress, cares more about them, or because it has a better colored label. Most people probably consider the taste of their beverages to be the deciding factor in what they buy. In this category, Pepsi also shines brighter than its red-clad competitor.

In the highly publicized “Pepsi Challenge” taste tests, consumers were offered a sample of Pepsi and a sample of Coca-Cola. The two colas were not labeled, so as to only let the taste of the product influence the tester’s choice. Pepsi, unhindered by the cultural cling to Coca-Cola, excelled in this unbiased taste test, proving once and for all that Pepsi really is a better drink than Coca-Cola.

So there you go, folks: Whether you call it a pop, a soda, a soda-pop or even a coke, when you want a soft drink, there is only one thing to say when it comes to ordering a cola: Pepsi, please.