I've tried both now, and the Vanu weapons do in fact do less damage than the TR ones for equivalent classes. I was using my engie's crappy "assault rifle" as reference which is why it seemed higher. I was getting owned in close-combat against Vanu most of the time, but I figured out that was mostly due to my aim-down-the-sights addiction. Wasn't as much of a problem with NC because their guns have the rate of fire of a muzzle-loader. Stopped using ADS and just "hip-firing" and I've noticed I do much, much better. So, complaint withdrawn. Except for the lack of bullet drop on sniper rifles. That ain't f'ar! I was wondering why VS snipers always seemed to get way more 1-shot kills than anyone else... now I know. And knowing, according to GI Joe, is half the battle.
Currently weapons locked because 2 guys were standing on the vehicle pad when my Prowler spawned and it listed me as having killed them even though I had no control of the vehicle. Sitting in the WG right now letting my grief dissipate because immediately after that a friendly ATV rammed me and exploded, which also credited me as the killer...
...that's Planetside, baby! =D
P.S. Yes, the Predator is very nice and I love it oh so much. It is worse at Anti-Tank than a Vanguard in a stand-up fight, though. Even with upgraded frontal armor, I only tied an un-upgraded Vanguard shot-for shot... we both assploded at the same time. On the move it's great though, since if you miss with the first shot you can still hit with the second and at least do 1/2 the damage instead of none. It's probably my favorite vehicle so far. Has anyone tried the main gun upgrades? Wondering how much of a difference the AP/HE makes and if it's worth the certs.
*EDIT* Weapon lock ended, played for half an hour, then a cloaked friendly ran out from behind a building as I was driving by in my Skyguard Lightning at 60kph... I'm just gonna call it a night.