The MiG had a higher ceiling and faster climb and turn rates than the F-86. The F-86 could dive faster. The MiG's cannons fired larger projectiles than the F-86's .50 caliber machine guns but at a much lower rate of fire. They were better suited for downing a bomber than a maneuvering fighter. The F-86 had better gunsights for improved accuracy and better trained pilots in most cases.

In the end, the F-86s enjoyed a 14-1 kill ratio over the MiGs. Yes, Russian pilots were flying many of the MiGs and many of them were successful against the Saber jet. Still, it's kind of hard to argue with 14-1. The American pilots were forbidden most of the time from crossing the Yalu River, so many MiGs turned tail and dove to safety. Had that restriction not been in place, many more MiGs would've been shot down.