The 9X19 appears to be (at least on paper) somewhat superior with the lighter bullet weights (90-125 grains or so). The .38 Special offers superior performance (again, at least on paper) when the heavier bullets come into play (.38 Special has been commercially loaded with bullets up to 200 grains, the so-called "Super Police" load).

Performance "on paper" will always remain a theoretical (perhaps more appropriately a hypothetical) exercise. All I will suggest is that when penetration is required the heavier bullets will always be preferred, and shot placement trumps every other card in the deck.

Only one shot wins the gunfight, and that is the last shot fired. Walking away wounded and bloody always beats being carried away without a pulse.