Owning both I would go for Hornet.
Hunter is described as being the most versatile hull, well I believe the Hornet does a much better job.
Hornet 's drifting is often described as a nuisance, well it doesn 't have to be.
First you can use the drift to your advantage, and if you need to make a tight turn just get of the full gas
when starting the turn.
That is easy, and this way you will only loose a speed-run from the Wasp: which isn 't a shame.
And talking about Hornet vs Wasp: you have the better acceleration and besides the Wasp M2: more HP.
Maybe the most important question to you would be if you are (or want to be) a dynamic or more static Tanker in the future.
If you are "dynamic" you hardly ever stand still, make a fast attack immediately followed by taking cover.
You hardly ever move in straight lines to make life miserable for your opponents (Ricochets, heavy hulls etc.) and to make matters
even worse you like to strafe and run circles around your opponents.
You also do this with every weapon: not only the close-range weapons.
If you do or want to do the above you have two best choices in my view: the Hornet, the one you should use when you start a
"dynamic carreer" and when you get the hang of it at least try the Wasp.
The Wasp is one of the best choice for the close-range weapons (depends on the M-upgrade, especially Wasp M2 is hot)
and Wasp is also great with Rail.
Another huge benefit of the Hornet vs Hunter is the amount of crystals you need and the way in which they M-upgrade.
The Hornet is dirt cheap! and has a very nice and steady M-upgrade path. Simply stated a tank that is always able to compete.
From the M0 you go to:
M1 with the "two cubes" rank WO2
M2 with the "two diamonds" rank Second LT
M3 with the "two stars" rank Major-General
Looking at the Hunter it is a quite different story. Much more expensive and in my view an unsteady upgrade path.
First the M0 which is perfect at the start for a beginner but when other hulls already have their M1-upgrade you still
will be struggling to get to WO4 and Hunter M1.
The Hunter M1 in the hands of a more static player will certainly outperform the Hornet M1. The Hunter M1 is very good.
Than we get the Hunter M2 at Captain which is an earlier, hence weaker upgrade in comparison to the Hunter M1.
It will do the job in the next ranks, but getting the Hunter M2 to Fieldmarshal: good luck!
The Hunter M3 is simply awesome. Fit is with a Smoky M3 and you have one of the best combo 's ever in my view.
Also...Hunter M3 will take a while :rolleyes: to get to: so I would suggest more realistic dreams!
And realistic dreams come true with the dirt cheap, versatile, fast, lightweight but stable, nicely upgrading Hornet.