understanding surfboard design

I'm looking to get a new shortboard, so I'm trying to understand my gear better from a technical/scientific point of view. Currently, I surf a 5'8 JS Industries Nitro (insert photo here). It's amazing in small waves, but anything over 3 foot, means late take-offs, babying turns, and a general lack of stability.
I'm just wondering what it is specifically about the shape, contours that make it hard to ride in bigger waves. It more or less has the same volume as a 5'11 prodigy (insert photo here), but that board is supposed to be good in waves well overhead. Is it the length? It's only a couple of inches?
I'm just wondering what it is specifically about the shape, contours that make it hard to ride in bigger waves. It more or less has the same volume as a 5'11 prodigy (insert photo here), but that board is supposed to be good in waves well overhead. Is it the length? It's only a couple of inches?