American heavy frigates won local matchups but could not challenge larger British ships

Why did the United States win notable frigate actions in the War of 1812 yet avoid larger British warships?

Its heavy frigates overmatched standard British frigates but could not fight fourth rates, razees, or ships of the line on equal terms.

American heavy frigates were built for individual superiority, while Britain fielded numerous standard frigates. The American ships could dominate sixth rates and many fifth rates. They withdrew when razees, fourth rates, or ships of the line appeared because their local firepower advantage did not extend to the Royal Navy's heavier force structure.