Isn't magic basically energy? Only that it is energy that can be controlled and manipulated according to the rules of the magic system? I'm speaking from a far far futuristic perspective where technology is indistinguishable from magic. Here in my realm, we think a thought and bend reality to our will, which has caused quiet a stir among the "real" gods who profess that they were the first and blame us younger ones for all the destroyed universes. Bah! I say free magic for all!
First, you have to come up with a set of definitions. Then you can compare. Personally, because I try to not think in terms of right or wrong, or true or untrue, rather how something could be true . . . at least when it comes to creative writing, I think the differences could range from whether the force is natural or not. Also if it is created by the individuals themselves or if it comes from say, like an artifact they possess. Also, Energy is real and it's all everything is. A vibrating wave on a field of infinite. Many waves and fields to be specific. So mana, magic, energy, can all be different, specific, or similar in nature, affect, and source. You just gotta relate it to the common terms when it's fictional.
It is magic because you can't explain it and you don't need to. It just works. Otherwise, it is called science.
