ken was actually better than Ryu. First of Kens upper cut punch (horyuken) went further and higher than Ryus. thus having more of a change of making a hit and in some cases getting a meatier contact thus taking more energy.
Ryus hurricane kick would knock the opponent down with the first hit. whereas kens hurricane kick would make 3 contacts if done from close range, the opponent was never knoced down in the first hit. this took more energy than Ryus one hit knock down.