The MTB is a Hardrock disc set up with 26x1.5 armadillo tire. It has a Avid BB5 mechanical disc. I requested the slick tire when I bought the bike because I wanted a more upright commuter bike with front/rear disc and without the knobby tire slowly me down.

The road bike I was on had 700x28 tires with Tektro 358 brakes.

I can feel the difference between the disc brake being more positive and faster response with a solid grab, while the rim brakes has more of an initial mushy like compression feeling before I can lock it up. It take more effort for me to lock up my rim brake but otherwise I still can lock them up if needed. Also the 700x28 will skid a little naturally. In most of my quick reaction braking, the rim has less lock up because I will stop without locking them up even if I applied front brakes only. This is same for my other Hybrid bike that also has a Tektro rim brakes and 700x38 shallow knobby tires. On my disc MTB, it is much less effort and faster to lock the front with ease. The initial grab feeling from my disc is simply more rock solid and less giving.

Honestly, I prefer a disc whenever possible. I would like to have a disc on my road bike but it adds weight and possibly more mechanical stuff to the system.