I am glad the new patch will be addressing this problem:
M3A1 Scout Car
The intent was to increase the durability of the M3A1 to better balance the risk vs. reward that comes with the use of this unit. The added penetration on the top gunner will increase the performance of this unit vs. other lightly armored units, such as the 222 Scout Car or 251 Half-track. Additionally, we wanted to increase the impact of fielding light vehicles on the player’s tech progression.
Penetration on front gunner from 1/1/1 to 3.5/2.5/1.5
Health from 180 to 200
Manpower cost from 230 to 190
Fuel cost from 5 to 10
I think those are good changes, and coupled with this:
222 Scout Car
The armor reduction increases the vulnerability of the Scout Car to small arms fire, increasing the overall risk associated with its use vs. these targets. The fuel increase furthers the risk to the player’s tech progression and overall use of this unit en masse.
Armor from 11 to 9
Manpower cost from 240 to 210
Fuel cost from 10 to 15
I think the m3 now has a chance to do some damage along with small arms.