So, in order to replicate R’s built-in, native functionality, you’d need to go out of the way to build, test, debug, patch, repair, retest with VB all the same functionality; meaning you need Excel plus VB. Firstly, any object or program, even R, can be enhanced using additional programming. Secondly, there’s no way to achieve any semblance of efficient work practice, thirdly, that’s outside of the (purist) scope of comparing why to use R vs Excel in their native states. By default, a Lamborghini will beat a Yugo every single time … unless you spend $200K to modify the Yugo so it looks the same and has the same set of capabilities as the Lambo.