Armour, firepower, and Germany's outnumbered fleet problem

Did superior German armour outweigh Britain's advantage in gun calibre?

Not necessarily: protection depends on range and can only delay damage, while an outnumbered fleet also needs the speed and firepower to end the fight quickly.

German protection did not automatically outweigh Britain's larger guns. Armour schemes depend on expected engagement ranges, and a ship that survives hits still faces danger when more enemy guns are firing. A numerically inferior fleet needs speed and manoeuvre to avoid a prolonged exchange. It also needs enough offensive power to inflict decisive damage before superior numbers take effect.