M3 Firebird versus M3 Freeze - Which is better, why?

[Invincitron 888]

I was just wondering what was better between the two options: M3 Firebird and M3 Freeze. I'd say the former rather than the latter because the after-burn will kill the M3 Freeze even if (s)he tries to encircle the M3 Firebird (if we're assuming they are both using the same hull and have no MUs). And at a head-to-head without any hull moving the M3 Firebird does come out victorious, obviously. But that's what I've found out by speaking to some people (who do have experience with dealing and/or wielding with either weapon), I've never actually tried it so I'm still at a stalemate on which is better and which is worse. Because of this, I'm going to turn to you guys and ask:

 

M3 Firebird versus M3 Freeze - Which is better, why?

[Maf 32,317]

At default M3 Firebird is more powerful since it unlocks much later than Freeze M3 and costs more, therefore it's completely logical that it's better than Freeze M3. With MU's it balances out more since Freeze's MU's give it a much better total improvement that the full MU's for Firebird. As for the gun itself, Freeze's disadvantage is that it doesn't have the afterburn effect, however it's total amount of "fuel" is much larger, allowing it to take out bigger tanks in one go. Firebird does more damage, but runs out of fuel quickly and the afterburn is often cancelled by a Freeze, Isida or a repair kit.

I would say Firebird is better, but I never really played with Freeze much, so I can't compare them accurately.

[r_DidYouKnowThat0 1,662]

In my opinion Firebird is better if you're a drugger. With double power, you'll be producing ultimate destruction. And with boosted speed and armor, you'll be massacring so many tanks, and I'm not talking about the map. And don't even get me started on a Health Kit.

 

The Freeze is better for a Non-drugger in my opinion. You can deal good damage, circle opponents, and be a good defensive team player. You'll be important in securing your own base's flag in CTF mode, and hinder enemies to let others get away with the opponent's flag.

[DarkOperative 5,580]

Freeze m3 when used at a rather Higher-ranked(A sufficient rank where tankers can get a bundle of m3s) battles isn't much useful when compared to that of Lower ranks(A sufficient rank where tankers are getting ready to get more m3s rather than having a handful of them). 

 

I have used it and have noticed the difference myself. In High ranks, freeze's damage gets restrained to quite a low limit where the damage isn't 'good' enough to actually be able to completely destroy the tank. Freeze's damage occurs due to the paint & hull requirement of your opponent; its quite major.

 

Other than that, freeze's freezing ability is a big + from me since it helps to swiftly get behind the turret and, therefore, prevent damage.

 

However, using freeze is a positive thing for snipers, specifically rails'. Stealing a kill from a frozen tank is pretty easy from them as their damage is high and freeze knocks off a suitable amount of armour on the opponent and makes it an easy kill for all those snipers waiting just to get a snippet of the tank.

[Pathfinder 1,690]

At base M3, fire. At M4, they are more balanced, though I personally would prefer freeze

[I.WalkAlone 548]

None of them are better as such. It depends on your preference. I've encountered the first situation which you've described in the main post a lot of times. And trust me, as long as I'm not weakened and I have space to circle the tank, the firebird always dies. The after-burn received from the firebird by one second of contact isn't enough to destroy a tank. Firebird and freeze have different effects. Freeze is more about stealth attacks while firebird is about causing a huge amount of damage to enemy tanks.

[jazz20 1,181]

http://en.tankiforum.com/index.php?showtopic=209842&mode=show&page= similar topic?

[lukey0 27,543]

M3 Firebird, I have it myself and I always kill Freeze way before it kills me and even if the Freeze does kill me my after burn will kill the Freeze.

[I.WalkAlone 548]

^That's true for m3, but the scenario changes at m3+.

[adider 1]

Tanki pls do firebird worse. It is too powerfull (M2 and M3). Firebird M2 have got smilar damage like Freeze M3.

[Pathfinder 1,690]

at base m3, fire for sure that damage difference is huge!

 

at m4, I personally prefer freeze. Damage difference with the extra 4 damage points per second and afterburn, but I'd trade that in for 2 secs longer shooting time, faster reload, and ability to freeze enemies.

[kayitsiz 621]

Tanki pls do firebird worse. It is too powerfull (M2 and M3). Firebird M2 have got smilar damage like Freeze M3.

Fire shoots 5.5 sec, Freeze shoots 7.5 sec

Fire have afterburn, Freeze have "freeze"

Fire M3+ has 72 Freeze M3+ 68 damage..