Depends....Flails typically require a slower ground speed than a rotary of same width, especially so in heavy weeds/grass. The only way to equalize "acres per hour" between the 2 would be a tractor of more HP for the flail, OR, accept the fact they won't mow as much per hour with same tractor. Of course, all depends on what you're mowing....Just trimming a well manicured lawn, neither will tax a motor too much, so the point is moot. Slow down ENOUGH, and you could mow with a much wider mower of EITHER type without additional HP.
Once you go to very wide mowers, (ie 15' bat wing vs rear & side mounted flails) the hp demand goes VERY one sided, as side mounted (wing) flails are USUALLY hydraulic driven and the power demand can jump quite a bit.
Again, in "minimal" conditions, such as a regularly mown lawn, pasture, ect, the difference is hardly a consideration.
BTDT, tried 'em both....Not at all impressed with flails in the condition I HAVE TO MOW IN. (Too slow/too costly/too high maintenance) YMMV. Consider MOST people aren't mowing highway ROW's though...I AM. I'd probably be more satisfied with a flail if all I cut was my yard or well groomed pastures.
I'm sure Leonz will be along shortly to tell you why not using a flail mower will cause your property to be infested with rats and poison ivy....
Take that with a grain of salt.....
Beware of advice that paints a picture of one or the other being "THE ANSWER" to every situation. NEITHER will do everything in every case. Some people are simply too biased to give a fair and objective point of view.