SWulfe, My data is not wrog, I repeated the tests two times per plane. The max speed was "marked" when no more speed gain was achieven in 30 seconds. that is, with the speed indicator static for 30 seconds (max power wep on).
It is independent of what you or me "feel" when fighting against or in spits. SpitIX is faster than any 190A/F (except up 5k), and that is a fact.
I still have not done acceleration tests, but the initial feeling in my top speed tests is that SpitIX also outaccelerates any 190A/F.
And now some final words about perking Spit or any other plane.
We have an arena, we have a perk system and we have a score system. Any other thing aside these is just subjetive and personal feelings about how to "feel" and play the game.
For fighters, K/D K/S K/T and HPc are the factors that count. Spit has hispanos, few spent ammo = kills, easy to aim with so "perfect" bullet trajectory also. Add the super menouverability and you'll have exceptional K/T K/S and HPc. Obviously, if you fly spit and go low where you have no more speed advantage over most of the planes, you'll need to fight your RTB, so, perhaps your K/D will suffer a bit.
With these parameters lets rate D9:
Exceptional speed, so, you'll be able to flee in most situations, that implies potential great K/D. But attack setup need time, and you cant turn with most of the planes, add horribly ballistic and weapon set, and you'll have a mediocre K/T K/S and HPc.
So, basically, what is the plane with more chances to be greatly rewarded by AH "automatic-reward" system? IMO the SpitIX with no doubt over 190D9.
And I insist, SpitIX seems a mediocre fighter because is widely bad flown, and because its "uberness" is a really bad point to learn a bit about aerial combat. But if I go with a 190A5 against myself in a SpitIX (co E), my SpitIX incarnation will win 100% of the fights with no doubt, that or a drawn (not counting HO kills). Even more, I flying 190D9 against myself flying SpitIX, it will be a draw 100% of the times.
In an arena with no icons, things would be really different, and D9 could be a serial killer, but not here.