I've played both
This game is more challenging against AI
Have some really good campaign and DLC missions
Got More specific and unique units in comparison
You can play co-op with your friend on one castle which is a very neat feature
You can save even your online games and reload if your friend gets disconnected
I like both but I'd definitely prefer Crusader 2

I like 2 better, it runs well on good game machine. Though it is harder to beat than Stronghold Crusader1 but the graphics at 1440p are really good.

i would much rather a de of stronghold crusader with dlc and/or content from stronghold crusader 2, it has the best moats and a.i. characters, proper gatehouse moat drawbridge system which legends, 2, crusader 2, 3 all lack, and possibly steam workshop support other than maps

Honestly I'd just get stronghold crusader HD. DE seems to lack multiplayer compstomp capability like the original stronghold 1. SC2 has that 3d jank to it. SCHD all the way.