Both Mexico and Chile are countries located on the Pacific Ring of Fire with high seismic risk. However, the patterns and magnitudes of their earthquakes differ considerably.
Chile, particularly the southern region, experiences larger-magnitude earthquakes more frequently. The 2010 Chilean earthquake was magnitude 8.8, one of the largest ever recorded. Chile has documented several magnitude 8.0+ earthquakes in the last 200 years.
Mexico experiences significant but generally lower individual magnitude earthquakes. The last major earthquake was 8.0 in 1985. However, Mexico faces the particular risk of multiple earthquakes in different tectonic zones, as well as amplification in Mexico City.
Chile has invested massively in anti-seismic infrastructure and building codes after its historical events. Its buildings are generally better prepared for extreme earthquakes than those in Mexico.
In terms of individual magnitude, Chile faces greater risk. In terms of vulnerability, Mexico may be in worse situation due to geological amplification in Mexico City and less historical investment in seismic hardening.