The brand-types of NFL defensive fronts have never broken off into superior-inferior categories. The 3-4 base has frequently led the defensive charge via Super Bowl champions. The 4-3 front falls in a similar category. Even the 46 enjoyed its short-lived day in the sun (1985).
It matters not which base is presented, rather how efficient it runs. This principle has accelerated in thought since 11 personnel and nickel have taken a large chunk of the base pro personnel from the time of the game. Instead of seven or eight in the box, base defense during the NFL season of 2018 frequently features six of seven.