If you're level 35, level 35 gear will have the same stats as a level 50, CP 160 character in max level gear.
Once you level past 35, your level 35 gear reduces in strength.
It only depends on how over-leveled you are compared to gear.
Higher level characters get have higher attributes and skill passives from leveling. Lower level characters get a bonus to all three resources and recoveries that reduces as they level higher. So with good gear, you can make a pretty stacked baby character. : p