What If Power Levels Didn't Exist?

[Sovran Nila]

How would Dragonball/Z differ if power levels did not exist?

 

[Papasmurf]

I think the series would be less popular. Scouters definitely are a staple item in the series even though AT abandoned power levels after about a dozen volumes. Hell, look at how they're still featured in Super while Goku's cloud and staff rarely ever are. Scouters were premium collection items alongside intricate figures and a remote shaped like the Dragon Radar for limited edition Dragon Box sets too

Freeza's most famous phrase, even moreso than "5 minutes" and "this is my 100%!" is probably his "my power level is 530,000" as well

 

[Yoshi]

There would be a lot more creativity in the fights, and Krillin, Yamcha, and Tenshinhan would be of more use in the Cell Saga.

 

[Hector]

How would Dragonball/Z differ if power levels did not exist?

Nobody would believe Krillin after Guru's power-up could beat Nappa.