Hello,
I agree on the large and medium vessels, but at the small, there is either the Dolphin
https://eddp.co/u/myJBCaDl
or the Cobra MK IV
https://eddp.co/u/cN4lcCf7
Unfortunately, the Vulture is the only small ship with a class 5 PD. Thus it's the only small ship that can fully support 2 mediums indefinitely with a weapon focussed engineered PD. The Vulture's 2 Mediums allow it to mine twice as fast as two small lasers on, say a Type 7. Also, the Vulture being a small ship let's you get right up close for maximum collection rate with fewer limpets (which is important because it has a crappy cargo hold).
Finally, it is insanely nimble which is the most important when prospecting...
It does lack in the internals, but shieldless it's fine... If you're only after 3Ps for missions, it's the fastest miner of the lot.
The CMKIV is the best general purpose small miner of the lot if you're interesting in picking up a wider array of stuff and not in a hurry.
Again, the problem is the PD runs dry in less than 10 seconds with 2 mediums so you're limited to 2 small lasers, halving it's mining speed.
A C4 PD can support 3 smalls or 1 big and 1 small, but requires regular breaks to recharge, offsetting those limits.
While the Dolphin has nice yaw that makes it a pleasure to mine it, its C3 PD just does not make a good case for mining.. even engineered.
Mining is all about the PD and agility... And cargo if you're not picky about what you mine.
)
