Is there a reason you're not stealing the Sidewinder from Zheng Shi? (Buy an Ova'LEK from Vahn first.)
The Clydesdale has a lot more module slots, but you'll probably need to use some of them bringing up it's combat ability. All ships have 30 Storage now. (I'm not sure if it's a bug.)
Personally, I went with the MS-XI. Shield Booster and Missile Turrets are really good Fixed Equipment.