Battegroup frontlines for BF2 rocked, I loved the heavy feeling of their tanks.
I have to agree with you on that. Although it didn't have the over-all high standard FH2 has, the tank driving experience was probably one of the best I've ever had in any game. They made it feel like you were driving 40 tons of metal - something no other game or mod has ever captured as well in my honest opinion.
Actually, I just downloaded the 2013 release. I take it back - FH2 is better in every aspect.
Credit where credit is due - I do like the heavy feeling of tanks in initial acceleration, some of the accompanying sound effects for the tanks are nice and I like how heavily the ragdoll bodies drop but that is about it.
All in all It feels like a BF2 mod, something FH2 doesn't feel like at all.