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Which is superior - Special Effects or Visual Effects?

Special Effects and Visual Effects (VFX), are terms used interchangeably. But each speaks to a different aspect of modern-day film and television production and is different in the part played during the production process
Special Effects (SFX) refers to on-set visual effects techniques- ‘practical effects’. On-set special effects might include adding various ‘elements’ that the story requires into scenes, such as fire, water and snow. Before digital technologies, the only way to add ‘elements’ to scenes was by using Special Effects filmed on-set ‘practically’. SFX also includes skills like animatronics (characters like Yoda from Star Wars). SFX also includes prosthetic make-up and the building and filming of ‘miniatures’. The earlier Star Wars films used lots of ‘miniature’ models to film spaceships and planets. Common examples of on-set SFX might be snowmaking, rainmaking, or the adding of smoke to create atmosphere. While you can accomplish all of these effects using VFX, it is usually more realistic and less expensive as the on-set SFX.

Which is a better choice? It all depends on your situation.
Visual Effects/Video Effects (VFX) enables filmmakers to achieve the same effects as on-set SFX during post-production. They could integrate ‘elements’ such as explosions, into their scenes .VFX can digitally re-create anything SFX are able to do on-set. Visual Effects refer to all forms of digital enhancement of shots, from adding in backgrounds using green screens through to integrating GGI models and creatures. If a snowy landscape or rain with wide shots is to be created, VFX will be easier and cheaper to use.
On-set conditions (direction of wind, noise of machine, etc) and health and safety considerations (adding fire or explosions), and human reaction (bad smells or uncomfortable textures) also determine whether SFX is used or VFX .
Today the two seem to be used in combination- for example, a scene may be shot with SFX snow in the foreground where actors are sitting, with VFX snow added in the background and wider shots. For scenes with fire and flame throwers, flamethrowers will be used, but no actual flames. The SFX flame elements are filmed later, and composited into the shot.