How to compare dates?

How  do I compare this dates:

1. date( in timestamp) = 2003-03-16 11:29:23.567417+08

2. date created from java program like :

String format ="dd.MM.yyyy";
Date today = new Date();
SimpleDateFormat formatter = new SimpleDateFormat(format);
String todaysdate = formatter.format(today);

says the result is : todaysday = 17.03.2003

Any help very much appriciated
Thanks.