You can also do that sort of ship-building in EVE, you just have to do it while constantly defending your miners, refineries, and assembly plants from pirates, competition, and random jerks.
It certainly sounds worth a try, I've been looking for a new game to get into.
Well, try it or watch the video I'm planning to make :) (or anyone else's :P) I think you will see the difference (I also played EVE). It may be harder to describe than to show in action.