Slitherine

I'm sure that they both have their uses, but I have been buying a couple of armoured car units in the last few games and I wonder if I am not better off with light tanks (tankettes). LT don't have the split move, have to trace supply, and don't have the ability to withdraw from combat to reduce casualties, but they can cut the all important supply line and capture towns/supply sources at double the Command Points. What do you think?

I'd say depends on the role you want them to fill.

To scout ahead of your forces, looking out for ambushes, mines and enemy defenses, Armored Cars are better. To make quick dashes to occupy territory or finish off weakened units, Light Tanks are better. I'd say they fit their roles quite well.

Armoured Cars(Recon Units I suppose ?) needs less CP than Light Tanks.

The new PzKW II L could also be in the Recon class as is the case in PanzerCorps 1 & 2 ?

As a heavy armored car user, you’re not really seeing their differences!

First off, more modern light tanks do have split movement. I should know, they added it because I asked for it!

Second, scout cars and light tanks have different chassis which affects their mobility substantially. Light tanks like all tanks have the light tracked chassis which gives them great movement through rough terrain. Scout cars have the wheeled chassis which is terrible in rough terrain of any kind.

Third, scout cars have the incredibly quick retreat trait. When attacked, instead of taking full damage they will take a point or two and flee. So you’ll pay a dozen points or so to absorb a hit from a jagtiger that would knock a hundred points or more off your IS-2! This makes them incredibly for screening your forces at low cost.

So if you want a scout with combat power go for a more modern light tank. If you want a scout that can screen without taking much damage at all even from late war heavy tank destroyers get an armored car.

Yes, i like using modern light tank with split move too. Aerial recon is more than enough for scouting mission with cheap price, safe and better move. Even enemy fighters hunt them down, its better than shooting my bombers.
Armor cars are useless in my opinion although they suffer less damage, their morale drop much faster that make them useless and you know what ? They still need to rest in supply zone to recover. Along with scouting ability, light tank can create supply zone, while being their own disadvantage, it is suprising tool to cut off enemy. And with better stats, they are better at chasing down battered unit and can withstand enemy infantry