Explanation:

The term Mahayana literally means "Great Vehicle". Hinayana means "Lesser Vehicle".
This sect of Buddhism believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and believes in Idol Worship. Mahayan  sect spread from India to several other nations such as China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Nepal, Tibet,  Bhutan and Mangolia. Mahayana believes in Mantras. Its main principles were based on the  possibility of universal liberation from suffering for all beings. That’ why, this sect is called Mahayana  (The Great Vehicle). Its principles are also based on the existence of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas  embodying Buddha nature. It allows salvation through having faith and committing oneself to Buddha. Hinayana Hinayana follows the original teaching of Buddha. It emphasizes individual salvation  through self discipline and meditation.  Major difference between Hinayana and Mahayana Mahayana worships the bodhisattvas and read the Mahayana sutras while Hinayanists do not  perform these. Mahayana Buddhism followers think that The Buddha is a God because they think that  the Buddha came down to earth to help people cross the sea of life. So the Buddha can be  worshipped as a God because he is eternal and comes down to earth. On the other hand Hinayana  Buddhists think that The Buddha was a Human instead of a God because they think The Buddha was  simply a man who found a way to Nirvana. 

      Hinayana Buddhism                                      Mahayana Buddhism

1 Followed as a teaching or  philosophy.    1 -Followed with reference to higher beings, more like a religion

  2-Found mostly in the South and West      2-Found mostly in the North and West, covering China,

covering Indochina and Ceylon (Sri-Lanka).    Korea, Japan, and Tibet

3-Early work written in Pali (e.g.                   3-Early texts are in Sanskrit (e.g. Karma, Dharma)

Kamma, Dhamma).