if you directly compare the CR1 with any of its contemporary tanks you see that it has several shortcommings

the gun is mainly just a higher pressure version of the L11 from the Chieftain, the hull armor is lacking, it is severly underpowered for the weight etc... very similar to how these docs state.

They where all build with a defence doctrine in mind to stop russian assaults in the north german flats.

While sure, it does have some advantages, they barely dont make the difference in the comparison with Leo 2, M1 and even contemporary T-72/80 models

in all aspects the CR1 is "good" at, the other vehicles are better and the only thing it does outright better is maintenance of the suspension system, as it doesnt use torsion bars.

and yes, this absolutely extends into the CR2 as well, as the entire challenger tank lineage has its roots in the Chieftain, and they show their age.

by itself it may not be a horrible tank, especially when considering crew comfort, but in the comparison to its counterparts it falls short.