Gnome War w/ self haste and fungi will outpace paladin solo for a while until lacking CC becomes an issue.
Pally will obviously be way better for most grouping with the exception being duo with a shaman. War's damage really shines with shaman duo.
If you can afford it, a Crown of Narandi will make the biggest difference for solo Paladin. Trak BP is pretty nuts too.
I did both (not gnome, but heavily twinked war). Paladin felt way better / more efficient after about level 30.
My vote goes to Paladin since you expressly stated no interest in raiding and only taking it to mid 50s (war shines at 60). Load up on DS pots. Start max CHA with a good set of +CHA items for lull splitting rooms.
I did warrens 1-23, perma 23-30, and CT 30-43 completely solo. Afterward, did some solo and grouping at CoM 43-48, then some kedge/solB to bridge the gap to hole entrance (you'll be keyed too no matter what race if you do warrens 1-23). The ole XP / ZEM superhighway.
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