Is the (Shadow)Priest the better Mage in WOW?

[savaughn]

The difference between the damage output will fluctuate as rank-ups are not on the same levels, but 32 is certainly one of the levels in which the difference is large.  It's certainly not representative.
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Certainly possible. I picked that level because I had a priest and a mage at 32 to look at directly so I could get in-game numbers. 32 could be the worst possible level for a shadow priest. 34 means improved SW:P and Mind Blast on top of starting into shadow weaving/darkness which means every talent point from 33-43 directly improves damage.

That push from 28-34 really leaves a nasty taste in your mouth though. My recommendation? Spend those levels grouped. If your questing outside, find a friend to play with. Otherwise, go hide in BFD/Stockades/RFK/Gnomeregan.