Funny you should bring IDW or more specifically mtmte into this. Mtmte has introduced Transformers that could described as super or exceptional in powers or abilities. I know transformers have always varied hugely in these areas but mtmte has started to introduce some explanations for this.

Examples are this are the outliers, they are Transformers constructed cold in creation (sparks forcibly removed from the matrix to built bodies) who develop unexpected and unexplained powers.

Another example is once in a generation of forged Transformers (the more traditional transformers creation where a pulse wave from vector sigmur ignites field of hot spots that are nurtured into transformers). These once in a generation point one percenters have the potential to be the best of the best in intellect, endurance and power level and may or may not be a load bearer that means they can be upgraded above and beyond any of there peers.

 

I think Marvel treated the G1 cartoon as if the characters were superheroes/villains, for sure. Not so much in the comics, though.

That line of thought was resurrected in Animated.

So, it depends, I suppose.

 

I dunno...some Transformers are more super than others like the phase sixers.

pretty much.