A counterfactual fight between USS New Ironsides and HMS Warrior shows why ship-on-ship comparisons can mislead. New Ironsides would not necessarily fight alone, and the Royal Navy could bring several Achilles-type ironclads alongside Warrior. At sea, the British formation would try to preserve its freedom of manoeuvre rather than accept confined waters favourable to the American ship. The outcome would depend on force composition and the operating environment, as well as the specifications of the two named ships.
Notable Point · 7:25-8:41
Why a Warrior-New Ironsides duel is the wrong comparison
Comparing single ironclads misses the larger formation, sea-room, and manoeuvre advantages that would shape a real encounter.