The Bucc isn't balanced yet, just like the Sabre when it was released. Do you remember the hugely overpowered shields of the Sabre when it was released? But both have their charm. The Buccaneer is a light fighter with heavy weapons. The
A Hornet can have 2x S1, 2x S2 and 2x S3 guns, the same as the Buccaneer (OK, I prefer 3x S3 and 2x S3 on the Hornet, but that is personal preference) The only thing that the Super Hornet has better in weapons is that it can carry 2x S2 and 2x S3 missiles, while the Buccaneer only can carry 2x S3 missiles.
The Hornet has an ejection seat, the Buccaneer hasn't
The Hornet can be used for small cargo runs, the Buccaneer can't
The Hornet is slow and tanky, the Buccaneer is fast and light armoured