Russian-Guards vs. Russian Units

[Volcano Man]

Well, Guard units had to first earn the their status. They did this by, as DS mentioned, being effective in a battle. Once they earned that status, you can assume that the unit itself was a little better than a non-Guards unit because of both the fact that the title had to be earned, and because it now had a reputation to uphold (funny how that works).

The Soviet Army, AFAICR -- someone correct me if I am wrong, had a habit of letting its ordinary rifle divisions wither and die after constant fighting, very seldom did they do any heavy replacements (although they did receive some). If I am not mistaken, the Guards units were maintained however, and they did receive new equipment if there was any.