I'm used to and very fond of AKs...but I'm right handed, so I'm used to reaching under with my left to charge. That said, there's really no comparison. Other than the charging handle for a lefty, it's just a much more ergonomic platform, easier to work on, easier/better for optics, more calibers, easy to change if you wish, easier configuration changes of handguards, bbl lengths, etc.
If I were ranking the guns I like best:
XCR (L and M)
AKs
ARs...and I own some pretty high end ARs (LWRC, POF, BCM, LMT, etc)
But that's merely an opinion.
I think you'll find the weight similar to the Brens....depending on which configurations you get (light bbl and KM upper, for example) .
Suppressed? Can't really give you good info b/c I run flow through design cans....so not apples to apples if you're running sealed ones. With a flow through, there's not much change at all in cyclic rate, fouling or gas in the face compared to no can at all.