What is meant here by coffee or cappuccino? The answer is that they are two separate drinks with an argument that one is better tasting than the other. This is all based on personal taste of how each coffee is made.
Coffee is made in a number of ways and there are many different blends of coffee found in many different brands. Each choice of coffee beans makes a great difference in the taste of one's coffee. The way you make your coffee be it by drip method, perked, French pressed or by espresso machine immediately changes the taste of one's coffee.
To compare cappuccino and coffee, it would be best to use the same coffee and the same brewing method. A semi-automatic espresso machine would be best for a true comparison as this machine has a steaming wand necessary for making cappuccinos. This means that the coffee grind would be the same for both and would be made in the same semi-automatic espresso machine.
So what makes a cappuccino? Basically, a cappuccino is a mixture of a freshly brewed espresso, some hot steamed milk and a little thick milk foam for the top. The drink usually begins with one and a half ounces of espresso coffee made in a semi-automatic espresso machine. Milk that has been steamed by using a nozzle on the espresso machine for about a minute or so becomes foamy. Enough foamed milk is added to the espresso to make a five ounce cup and then stirred in. Any left-over thick foam can be spooned on top for taste or appearance.
Some say sipping at the foam on the surface of a fresh cup of cappuccino is one of the most enjoyable parts of drinking a cappuccino. When you make your cappuccino at home you can make the foam your way. Once you learn how to make your own cappuccino with the right foam consistently, you're guaranteed a pleasant taste and sensation of enjoyment every time.
So, how does this compare to plain espresso coffee made in an espresso machine? Both coffees made in the same semi-automatic espresso machine should taste about the same. But, if you just add milk or cream to your espresso, the drink does not compare to the cappuccino. The cappuccino is a delicate balance of steamed milk and coffee that takes time to make right for an "ahh" moment when sipping on the edge of your cup.