So we often compare units on these forums in a gaming context, but what of the fluff context? I think its well known fluff does not equal game performance in 40k, and things such as points costs obscure comparison because the latest books have led to lower points costs. So instead of bringing a gaming battle, I bring a fluff one.
This has been entitled speeders for I have picked 5 similar units in terms of roles (comparatively speeking.) This is the Necron Destroyer, Ork Deffkopta, Tau Piranha, Space Marine Land Speeder, and Eldar Vyper. All are generally used as high speed, low altitude strike/recon vehicles. Things such as the Hammerhead, Falcon, Fire Prism and Vulture(the original gunship based off the Valkyrie, not that ridiculous Vendetta.) I feel are too heavy to be compared in such a comparison, whilst Devilfish and Wave Serpents serve mostly as troop transports. Marine/Ork Bikers take more the role of a cavalry equivalent IMO, much the same with Eldar jetbikers. Do note that while Destroyers and Deffkoptas are jetbikes, their dynamic is much different from the Elda jetbikes. They have smaller numbers and heavier weaponry, and I really feel like they are more equivalent to the Eldar's Vyper. If anyone feels I left out a unit or mis-categorized one please let me know. Anyway, i'll start off with just one of my analysis for now:
1. The Necron Destroyer: Admittedly, this is the one I know the least about. Since they are Necrons, fear of enemy fire is not a problem. They are one with the machine, as that is basically all the are is a machine. I think this lends well to their agility in comparison to the others, as I feel the connection between a pilot and a vehicle is far less intuitive then a Necron and its body. As for weaponry their Gauss weaponry is very powerful, but fairly limited to the high rate of fire Gauss Cannon and the high power Heavy Gauss Cannon. Both have deadly power and penetration abilities, as does all Gauss weaponry. However every other speeder has a larger variety of weapons, giving them versatility. In addition, most other speeders have more then one weapon system, or atleast the option for it. As for protection, the fact that they are Necrons speaks for itself. With no soft bodied pilot to destroy, the vehicle itself must be disabled. Due to the advanced metals and auto-repair systems Necrons contains, killing such a high moving target would be difficult.