Aircraft____Fun___Relax/Easy__Boring___Frustrating
C152/C172___7_______8_______4_______3
RV-12______9_______8_______2_______1
RV-7A______9_______7_______2_______2
Just noticed the request in the original post to explain the score, so for what it's worth (probably not much, being so subjective):
a) the C152 is lighter on the controls and feels more agile in the air than the C172, which is more like flying a bus - well a mini-bus anyway. On the other hand the C152 is not very powerful, and you really notice that taking off on a hot day with a passenger and full fuel. By contrast a later model 180hp C172 is a clean aircraft and performs pretty well. Both are quite easy to fly, predictable and stable, so maybe a bit boring on that score - not that I think flying any aircraft is boring. Both scored low on frustration because they are easy to fly, although I seem to have more trouble doing consistent landings in the C172, but that's probably just me.
b) 100hp in an LSA aircraft like the RV-12 is plenty of power, but you're not going to take-off like a rocket or climb at 3000 ft/min (although I have managed 1600 fpm, so not too bad!). It scores high on fun because it's very responsive, the controls are well harmonised, and the visibility is great due to the slightly forward seating position. It glides really well and is easy to land provided you get the speed down early because it just wants to keep flying. That and the fact that's it's so much more responsive than the Cessnas means it's neither boring nor frustrating.
c) the RV7A is heavier and has a noticeably more `solid' feel that the RV-12 and with 180hp is a good deal more powerful. Other than that it handles much the same as the RV-12. It's a bit quicker in roll, about the same in pitch, but the rudder feels heavier. It's easy to fly, but you need to be precise to fly it well. Consequently it's probably a little less relaxing to fly than the others, which can make it more frustrating at the same time, but it's definitely more fun than the Cessnas.
rgmwa