I have both a Cutlass Black ship, and a Freelancer loaner for my Dur jpeg (png actually), so I can talk to both. I'd stick with the Cutlass you have if you like it. I don't see a distinct advantage of the Cuttlass over the Freelancer in either case.
Both are pretty good general purpose small ships in most situations. The Cutlass can pretty much hold it's own in a dogfight and can carry good amount of beer. The Freelancer carries more beer, but isn't quite as maneuverable, it can track and target an enemy ship just fine though. I found the rate of fire for the unmanned turrets a little low, but there are 4 guns between those turrets. Those ballistic rounds do a lot of damage when you score a hit.
If you're being chased, both have manned turrets to sting opponents approaching from the rear, and the turret should be able to add firepower to most situations. Assuming you have a gunner aboard.