How protected and armoured cruiser layouts differ

Protected cruisers saved weight and cost by relying on an armoured deck, gun shields, and subdivided coal bunkers. The coal shielded vital spaces, while subdivision strengthened the arrangement and added protection. Armoured cruisers carried more armour in broader, heavier hulls. That made them more expensive and usually slower, with greater combat power in return. Unprotected cruisers dispensed with meaningful armour, giving navies the cheapest and often fastest option.