Would prime Karpov have beaten Kasparov?

Anatoly Karpov, the master of D4. Iodized Salt's greatest advocate. And, above all a champion for 10 years. Possibly the sport's greatest champion. A Chess talent so revolutionary, that even Bobby Fischer feared him. Bobby forfeited his title in 1975 instead of contesting the great Karpov in order to avoid complete humiliation. 

But that was then, fast forward to 1985, Karpov was a different man. 34 years old, an ancient by chess standards Anatoly had to face a fresh new upstart called Garry Kasparov, or Kasper as he was known by close friends and family. Old and brittle, Karpov fought valiantly until losing the title in a closely contested Chessing classic. Even at his age, he was still competitive. 

So this got me thinking. What if 1975 Anatoly Karpov was matched up against 1985 Garry Kasparov. Surely the result would be different. Would do you guys think? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Karpov didn't need engines, his analytical, computing brain made him pretty much an engine. I think prime Karpov would have beaten Deep blue. 

It already was the greatest match in history even with Karpov being old. I just think that it would have gone the other way if Karpov was in his prime. In fact, I think Karpov would have won convincingly, and therefore it wouldn't be the greatest match in history. 

get real...fisher didn't play because he didn't like the rules.  This was not due to fear, he had a history of rule protests and forfeits.  He was a stickler for details, everything had to be just so.  This is a genetic or learned mental disorder really, but the eccentric mind is what made him the world champion.  People claim modern players are better, but their training and play is influenced by computers.  If Fisher had the same tools, he'd be better than them.  However, with the presence of such tools, he may have gotten bored and quit chess from an earlier age, so maybe they wouldn't have helped him

This is not about Fischer, it is about Karpov and Kasparov. Why do people always feel like they need to talk about Fischer? 

c'mon man get real...you brought him up.  don't be a hypocrite...you were talking about fischer.

History would repeat it self & Kasparov would win.

The only way Karpov might have won if Fischer had played against him.

From this, Karpov would have benifited from the experience imo.

I think someone would have beaten someone but I am a noob so my imagination power have ..  well some limitation.

But the focal point is Karpov vs Kasparov. Can we please address that instead? 

I don't buy the whole "nothing left to prove" argument. Every champion should defend their title at least once against another great player. This shows longevity, and the ability to deal with the pressure of being a champion. In my eyes every champion needs to prove that they can defend their title. 

You should stop on 1984. Also would note that on '87 it was equal, and '86 rematch was decided by one point. Wait, is poor old Anatoly still keeps on playing chess, and hold 2600+ rating? Oh, boy.

Fact that chess evolves with each generation of players should not discriminate older players ability to adapt to new trends and ideas. What is worth to mention that 21 years old managed to withhold against experience of "graduate" of Botvinnik's school, like himself.

He was mentally ill, mentally handicapped if you will.  Make some allowances for a great but troubled mind.  As a fan you're entitled to your own list of qualifications of all time great masters, and of course Fischer fans wanted more than anything to see him play more on the int'l scene...so we agree.  However, let's not ascribe motivations such as cowardice, unless there's a lot of evidence for that?  I've never heard anything like it, he was insecure in other ways but not about his chess, it was his whole life, and when you practice everyday with excellent results you gain great confidence, not fear and anxiety.  If you have bad results, then you start feeling those emotions.

First "proper" chess computer was BELLE from 1982, apparently playing master level. 

That's a good point.

@fewlio I really like you, you are not afraid to say to Fisher fanboy laud and clear, Bobby was a nutter. But Fisher demands for rematch weren't completely out of blue, and FIDE almost went for it.

Karpov was crushing Kasparov 4-0 in their first match but then suddenly it was interrupted.All his advantage went lost.Now how can u play well again after they stole u four points?

Yes, now imagine he was in his prime when they played. It would have even a larger advantage for Karpov. 

I'm tired of all these excuses for Fischer. The man was a champion for 3 years, he was a great player. One of the best? Debatable.