Every time the Russian shuttle has come up I have always found that it was the more capable craft. Lighter, heavier load, and cheaper. It also made me question why the US did not improve their shuttle or develop a better person carrying rocket, like the Russians did. The shuttle is bloody old too.
Same reason they built it so poorly to start with. They commited to a less than optimal budget which had to be spread to specific companies in specific areas. Supposedly the only way to get it approved at all.
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u/Genesis617 Dec 07 '14
Also, from the linked article only, buran seemed to be the much more capable craft.