Can only speak about this into the mid 20's..... currently 24 Pally and 26 SK.... but...
My Pally can solo much easier than my SK.... Pally can do Blue ^^... SK can only do Green ^^....
Pally has 2 swings which heal for 45 and 21 respectivly (with 2 hand sword )... SK only heals for 21 or so...
SK... Wards are counterproductive against hard hitting critters as they do not mitigate damage when they drop, so you may actually take MORE damage... and Lifetap seldom if ever procs...
Pally... currently heals for more than my SK's ward... and thats mitigated damage to boot...
But SK gets a cool black horse... Pally gets a dandified white horse.... LOL....