When comparing Zenwalk vs SparkyLinux, the Slant community recommends Zenwalk for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distributions for desktops?” Zenwalk is ranked 44th while SparkyLinux is ranked 67th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Solid Slackware-based distro
Pro Suitable for older machines
Pro Can be a semi-rolling or a full-rolling release
Semi-rolling release by default (due to the blacklisted kernel for updates) but, if one desires, easily configurable as a full-rolling release based on -current Slackware branch plus dedicated "z" repositories.
Pro Pre-configured XFCE4 desktop environment
Pro Based on Debian
You have access to a large user repository, Ubuntu guides can mostly be applied since both are based on Debian.
Pro Rolling or Stable Choice
You have the option for Sparky to be based on Stable or Non-Stable, bringing greater flexibility to user priorities.
Pro Lightweight core
Sparky is designed to be lightweight in it's core. It is based on Debian but optimised for old hardware, meaning you can run a full heavy desktop environment on a lightweight foundation, bringing greater performance compared to similar Debian or Ubuntu-based distros.
Pro All vanilla desktop environments available
Any Linux desktop in it's vanilla form can be installed on top of Sparky, whether that be alongside a pre-existing environment, or on top of a basic command line system. Furthermore, the command line system is easy to operate due to Sparky's advanced installer utility, from which you can choose whichever desktop environment you desire, straight from the Debian repositories. Guidance is on their website.