[U-96]

Originally Posted by Ducimus

Not really. Like the US, they excelled in some areas, but lacked behind in others.

Admittingly the Americans encouraged the developpment of new technology while the Nazi party who took operational control of the Kriegsmarine, interferred very often impeding developpment. So many new technology came alot later then it should have (Radar, Radar detectors, The type XXI, etc) But in terms of pure technological marvel the Germans were in front, Nazi beaureaucracy just delayed their arrivals endlessly.

It is estimated the type XXI Electroboot would have been out as early as 1942 and it was far more advanced the the U.S. Balao class sub (Which is considered the US Navy's best submarine of the war.) But it was still pretty similiar to the technology of the time. Though to the Americans Radar and active sonar, was common tech and implimented early in their subs. The type XXI Electroboot impressed so many, that the Americans, Brits and Russians researched heavily into them as a base of subsequent Submarine design. The huge submerged speed and range was unheard of to the allies even at the end of the war, Not only the submerged performance but also the hydraulic torpedo loading system which took less time to reload all 6 of their tubes then loading just one on a conventional sub / U-Boat

But in terms of their conventional submarines, you're right. Both sides had their strengths and weaknesses. The American subs had wonderful means of detection, a large array of tubes and many torpedoes and amenities for their crew. German U-Boats had the advantage in surface speed in alot of cases, smaller profiles, agility and diving depth. Crush depth for a U.S. sub was a yellow zone for German U-Boats. However U-Boats suffered from fewer tubes and torpedoes, very squalid living conditions for the crew and a lack of Radar and active sonar technology which proved fatal. Though Ironically enough, the food seemed to be better on German U-Boats.