Oh boy..here we go, my favourite debate topic
Type IXC : Personally, I'd prefer a IXC because of the long range, you can go Merchant hunting in the West Indies and sink lots of juicy tankers. Plus, the extra torpedos mean u get more tonnage, it's not a bad trade off for speed.
Type VIIB : Well...lets just say this boat will remain a favourite. Sure, it lacks the Type IX's firepower + Range , but a crucial point is that the VIIB is more likely to survive later in the war , my point being the crash diving times it takes when you're spotted by an Aircraft. Also, since destroyers get more nasty, manoeuvrability becomes a priority...rather than firepower.
It's your pick.....early in the war , Type IX's can get you tonnage effortlessly...later in the war, the Type VII can save your butt.
Just another point, albeit a minor one. With a VIIB , harbour raids are suicide. With a IXC , it's just impossible....the huge IXC will look like... to quote the signature of a member on this forum "Oi! There's a whale in the thames!" . Don't even try it
