difference between Plate techtonic theory and continental drift theory

Plate tectonics theory is a theory based on the concept that the Earth's lithosphere is made of many plates which move towards or away from each other. This is the fundamental theory on which further models like the continental drift theory are built.

Continental drift theory has been built and modeled upon the plate tectonics theory. This was first developed by Abraham Ortelius in the 16th century and Alfred Wegener developed this in the 20th century. This theory states that the continents 'drift' or move in relation to one another. The continents were all together in one super continent known as Pangaea and slowly broke away and due to plate tectonics drifted away to form the world as it appears today.