Why mature equipment can outperform its replacement at first

Are late piston aircraft comparable to older F-16 and F/A-18 variants remaining useful while newer technology matures?

Yes: proven equipment, experienced crews, and known operating quirks can temporarily outweigh a replacement's superior design, especially when the new system changes how people must operate it.

In the projected transition to Type 26, the new frigate could be technically superior while a thoroughly worked-up Type 23 crew initially used its familiar ship more effectively. Operators know the older system's defects, fittings, and quirks, while the new design still has to be understood in service. Upgraded Type 23s already carried much of the technology intended for Type 26, so this was a relatively small change in operating terms. The shift from piston to jet aircraft was more demanding because it changed the aircraft's entire operating character. Pilots had to learn different handling techniques to use the new system effectively.