And you've been playing how long to arrive at this analysis?
These lower tier ship options suck ass.
Vulture, woah, awesome... wait, no it isnt because of its massive power issues and weak glass.
Asp, lots of guns and armor, but cant manuever.
Cobra, weak ass ship.
They all have massive problems.
If you think that, you're not setting your ships up with the right mods. A small light ship like the Viper 3 can run rings around larger ones and is easier to stay on an enemies six. I've voided large ships many times just by staying out of their firing arcs.
The Death Birdy, when properly managed for heat and power is in my opinion the best tanked short range fighter in the game.
I always seem to end up in mine when I need to pop PowerPants opponents or infiltrate pirate systems. Some builds can put your armour level over 1000. Add a C3 Beamer and a honkin' large Plasma and go get some!
Cobra 3 served me well and is a great rares and/or smuggler. Another ship I use frequently and enjoy.
IMO you're doing stuff wrong, hence the frustration. I feel your pain. It took me months to even get my flight bindings right.
This ain't your dad's Asteroids CMDR.
o7