A lot of apples and oranges mixed here in this thread. Similar to comparing gas mileage on different cars from different time periods. 1950's Muscle cars vs 1960's VWs vs modern hybrids.
But this thread is almost 5 years old, so some technology advances and differences are inevitable.
Without some technically uniform test setup it, the results stay pretty subjective. Comparing a single motor engine to a dual motor engine and then to 3 dual motor ABA engines is an obvious flaw.
I remember that CTT did some objective tests on engines in an issue in the past and pulling power was one of the items measured. They also did an issue with some comparative tests on different types of track.
My guess that real railroads would also be seriously interested in pulling power, as well as the comparitive fuel cost, MTBF, serviceability etc.
Thankfully we don't have to worry as much about those things in our railroad empires
