Correct. The Soviet subs were faster and could dive deeper. But we were quieter and had better SONAR. I was on USS Memphis (SSN-691) in the early 1980’s and our boat had the AN/BQQ-5 SONAR system. It used two 32-bit computers and allowed us to hear the Soviet boomers at long ranges. At medium and high speeds they sounded like a freight train. We knew almost immediately when a Soviet submarine put to sea. We knew the type and in many cases we knew the exact hull number.
Which is why I was saying the Soviet military was behind qualitatively. It is nice being able to dive deeper or move faster. However, it is by far more important to be quieter and have better sensors. The US didn't really need the Sea Wolf or (later on) the Virginia ...evolved LA are still better than almost anything swimming in the deep. However, that requirement to always be better than anything (what I am calling overestimation) led to US equipment that, even if the US was to cease development for a decade, would still be the best. I fear we are moving into an era of underestimation, and the result of that will be an event that will make Pearl Harbor look like kindergarten. Mark my words. It is not that enemy equipment is 'crap' ...it is that US equipment (and with that equipment add superlative training, tactics, situational awareness and support) have simply been much better. With the new spirit of saying everything is crap I fear that some day Americans will wake up to some shocking news.
I'd rather overestimation of the enemy, which gives birth to the likes of the F-15, F-22, Sea Wolf, Virginia, Abrams, etc; rather than underestimation where in a naval engagement in the protection of Taiwan we'd be sending F-18s within reach of China.
'Crap' kills.