A little more punch is a good way to describe it. The magnet on the end of a MM cantilever is usually more massive than the coils on the end of a MC. They use this to generate a lot more voltage. Voltage is pressure and pressure is impact. So there you go.
MC also have this problem of ringing that tends to exaggerate the top end making it sound tipped up. Since there is not a lot of power for punch in the top end, but we do get a sense of volume from it, this is another way of understanding what you're hearing.
Fundamentally, MM starts out with a big advantage in higher output. This is a big advantage in that the signal is much less vulnerable to noise, and requires much less amplification. But MC has a big advantage in better tracking of fine detail due to its lower moving mass. Which one is better comes down to the quality level of each, the capabilities of your phono stage and, as you pointed out, personal preference.
MC also have this problem of ringing that tends to exaggerate the top end making it sound tipped up. Since there is not a lot of power for punch in the top end, but we do get a sense of volume from it, this is another way of understanding what you're hearing.
Fundamentally, MM starts out with a big advantage in higher output. This is a big advantage in that the signal is much less vulnerable to noise, and requires much less amplification. But MC has a big advantage in better tracking of fine detail due to its lower moving mass. Which one is better comes down to the quality level of each, the capabilities of your phono stage and, as you pointed out, personal preference.