It would be difficult to compare the likes of the Prince of Wales and Repulse to todays modern Navies (be them Armed or Merchant).
The difference is the NBCD training. For instance. Ships Companies of WW2 generally (not all) had little or no training in Damage control and consequently those ships were lost easily. Compare that to 1982 when although the Sheffield was lost as a fighting unit, it actually took days to sink it. The fire raged on board for about 3 days before the ship actually sunk. A beter example would be HMS Nottingham which was saved from certain death by the training (and bravery) of the ship's company.
Whilst we are on the subject of attacking ships, did anyone spot the news last week reference the Somali pirates
Apparently the crew used an LRAD to defend ths ship.