I haven't had a chance to really truly explore the AH2 P-47 flight model. I did notice a gain in climb rate (better than 4,000 fpm with 25% fuel from sea level).
I do know that in AH1, configuration was everything. I would fly the P-47D-30 (now the -40) with 50% internal fuel and the belly tank. I would select the 6 gun option and also select the short clip of 267 rounds per gun. Agility was substantially improved, and climb rate was terrific once the drop tank was dumped (about 3,800 fpm at 50% fuel, 3,950 at 25% fuel from sea level).
Therefore, since the P-47D-40 climbs better, it probably accelerates better as well. Adding in improved stall behavior, I suspect that all P-47s are a bit more capable than in AH1.
Note also that if you use auto-climb for climb-out, you will see a substantial increase in climb when you pass 4,000 feet.
My regards,
Widewing