No, Bardock is generally considered not stronger than King Vegeta, at least not initially.
The assessment of their relative power comes from various sources, primarily within the Dragon Ball Z series and its supplementary materials. Here's a breakdown of why Bardock is typically seen as weaker:
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Power Levels and Early Indicators: During the events of Bardock - The Father of Goku, Bardock's power level is noted to be increasing rapidly, nearing 10,000 after his battle on Planet Kanassa. The dialogue suggests that, at that time, this rising power still placed him just below King Vegeta, implying King Vegeta had a higher power level prior to Bardock's increase.
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King Vegeta's Status: King Vegeta was the ruler of the Saiyans and a warrior of considerable renown. He was known to be among the strongest Saiyans of his time, a position he likely held due to a combination of strength, leadership, and lineage.
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Potential for Change: It's important to note the context of Bardock's growing power. His near-death experience granted him precognitive abilities and a significant boost in strength. Given enough time, Bardock might have surpassed King Vegeta, but the destruction of Planet Vegeta by Frieza cut that possibility short.
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Speculation and Non-Canon Material: While official power levels are inconsistent and often debated, fan theories and non-canon materials sometimes explore the scenario of a stronger Bardock. However, based on the established canon narrative, King Vegeta holds the edge.
In conclusion, while Bardock possessed immense potential, King Vegeta likely possessed a higher power level at the time of Planet Vegeta's destruction. Bardock's rapid growth might have eventually allowed him to surpass the Saiyan King, but this remains speculative.
