How do these classes of submarines compare to each other
Displacement is surfaced in tons. Speed is maximum surfaced in knots. Depth is test depth in feet.
| Class | Displacement | Length | Speed | Range | Depth | Crew | Torpedoes |
| R | 569 | 186 ft. 2 in. | 12.5 | 4,700 | 200 | 33 | 8 |
| S-1 | 876 | 231 ft. | 15 | 5,500 | 200 | 42 | 12 |
| S-18 | 930 | 219 ft. 3 in. | 13 | 3,420 | 200 | 43 | 12 |
| S-42 | 963 | 225 ft. 4 in. | 12.5 | 2,510 | 200 | 43 | 12 |
| S-48 | 903 | 240 ft. | 14.5 | 5,000 | 200 | 38 | 12 |
| Argonaut | 2,710 | 381 ft. | 15 | 8,000 | 300 | 80 | 16 |
| Porpoise | 1,316 | 287 ft. | 19.5 | 6,000 | 250 | 54 | 16 |
| Perch | 1,350 | 300 ft. 6 in. | 19.25 | 11,000 | 250 | 54 | 16 |
| Salmon | 1,435 | 308 ft. | 21 | 11,000 | 250 | 59 | 24 |
| Sargo | 1,450 | 310 ft. 6 in. | 21 | 11,000 | 250 | 59 | 24 |
| Tambor | 1,475 | 307 ft. 2 in. | 20.4 | 11,000 | 250 | 60 | 24 |
| Gato | 1,526 | 311 ft. 9 in. | 21 | 11,000 | 300 | 80 | 24 |
| Balao | 1,525 | 311 ft. 9 in. | 20.25 | 11,000 | 400 | 81 | 24 |
| Tench | 1,570 | 311 ft. 8 in. | 20.25 | 11,000 | 400 | 81 | 28 |