I didn't like the loyalist titan.. until I did

I wouldn't say the Ankylon needs a few levels to get going, that sounds more like the Ragnarov, Ankylon with Furious Defense and upgraded armour/hull at level 1 is still a nigh-unstoppable beast. Keeping in mind that Furious Defense also boosts it's damage (for some reason.)

For sensiblity's sake I haven't tried soloing the pirate base at level 1 with the Ragnarov yet, I know the Ankylon can and hit level 3 and a half from it.

Edit - Oh yeah, and remember that the Ankylon likes to try and broadside, leaving half of it's weapon banks and it's beams not firing, which is stupid, drive it into the centre of your enemies and watch the fireworks.

The best way to attack with that behemoth is to micro it right into the center of the enemy and watch them all melt away. It is nearly unkillable with a couple levels in it. 

You think it unkillable on the attack, stick it in its own Culture and it can hold a system forever.  I build a dozen Broadcast towers now before I take on the loyalists or get my head handed to me. The Ragnarok can't seem to touch it if its defending, plus it can sit right between two star bases and let target up-link from the Akkan give them 1/2 the system weapon range.  Toss in a bomber fleet or torpedo fleet and they can't even sit back to pound you.

That's the Furious part

Even on it's own the Ank is a monster. The ability to increase its firepower and regeneration as well as damage and suppress the abilities of nearby enemies makes it at home in the thick of the fighting. I love it because usually my enemy will focus fire on my titan, which can endure most of the punishment while the rest of my fleet pummels theirs with impunity.

If anything I think the Rebel Titan needs some tweaks; snipe's damage seems bugged, its been hitting for like 60% of what it says it does. Does anyone know if armor negates damage from Snipe? I can't think of any other reason besides a bug.

The Kol is a brick that the enemy stumbles over. The Ankylon is the wall the enemy slams into and shatters.

So far as ive expirimented, one on one the ragnarov can take out the ank at equal lvl through lvl 3 (though this may depend on ability choices) I havent gotten to test beyond that because i havent been able to get a equal lvl one on one fight between the two beyond lvl 3 (usualy cause mine is beyond thier lvl by that point)

if you ever go against AI do you realize in late game the enemys titans are always level 5. even if its 5 minutes after its created.

Titans retain their levels after they're blown up, mastermidge.

oh i've never had mine destroyed so i didnt know that

Shield Mitigation maybe?