GDP nominal vs GDP purchase power parity

[Anonymous No.12324356]

What is the more accurate measure to use and when? Let's take in consideration Russia.

Every time there is a thread about their economy people who don't like them post about how their economy is smaller than that of Italy, Texas or whatever, whose economy is 1.4 trillion $. Extension of McCain's comment of a gas station masquerading as a country.

On the other hand, supporters of Russia rely on gdp ppp by which measures they are right behind Germany at 4.3 trillion $ and only 5 times economically smaller than USA.

Question that I have is, which measure is more right for arguing this? When you look around the world you get the feeling that Russia is indeed individually stronger than Germany and that impact couldn't be secured with a 1.4 trillion economy.

Toughts?