When comparing two different elements, the best response is to first define each element and then talk about their differences. Answering the question directly and succinctly is the best strategy since it encourages the interviewer to either move on to the next question or ask a follow-up. Also, the longer your answer, the more opportunity to miss speak or provide inaccurate information.

"Editor and author are access levels associated with the ability to manage features of a document. An editor can create, read and modify documents. They can only delete the document if they also have manager access. An author can create, read, edit and delete a document, but only if the author is also the owner of the document."