Defensive moves and sidestepping properties

Something I've been wondering lately is if all characters sidestep at the same speed? And do they sidestep the same distance to the opponents side?

Also, is there a sort of "tier list" for defensive moves. I use Sarah and I've noticed that because she leaves her leg stretched out when she sidesteps for the defensive move I sometimes get hit before I make contact.

A character like Akira for example has a very good dm when he swings right around the opponent and knocks them down on impact. So is there a list of best to worst or something along those lines?

 

There actually is a ranking, but I don't think anybody has made it. I know eileen's DMPK eats low punches for breakfast. The reason you might not see so much talk about DMPK here is because the moves for the most part are not worth the potential risk often. They have their place, but it's very far and few between.