last I knew War Cruiser (CW) is the same thing as Light Cruiser (CL). The more peaceful races call them CLs because they're lighter than Heavy Cruisers, but are similarly armed. The more warlike races call them CWs for the same reason, plus they are cheaper to build in wartime.
Examples: F-CLC is DEFINATELY similarly equipped to the F-CC, lacking (I think) 2 forward phaser 1's, but making up for it (slightly) in maneuverability.
However, not all CLs can be called CWs, as anyone's who's ever flown the F-CL can attest to.
EDIT: correction, the CLC is the CC+'s superior in battle, by 1 G-rack and 1 turn mode.