Originally posted by Squire
Tempest is the faster a/c both in MIL and WEP below 15k, has a better climb rate below 5k at WEP, and 15K at MIL, better acceleration, and has the smaller turn radius at high speed (no flaps), and has much better firepower.
Both are VERY good fighters, but they are comparable. I fly them both and like them for different reasons.
I agree that both are very good fighters. However, 1v1, the F4U-4 will steal the Tempest's candy every time. In your standard DA merge scenario, the last time the Tempest driver will see the F4U-4 through his windscreen will be on the initial merge. After that it'll be behind his 3-9 line.
Off of the initial merge, the F4U-4 can get turned around much faster. The F4U-4's ability to deliberately scrub off E is amazing. Doing so gives you angles very quickly.
Now, I know that Gonzo's page shows that the Tempest has a smaller turn radius when neither uses flaps. However, what it doesn't show is that this occurs at 170 mph. At this speed, just 2 notches of flaps puts the F4U-4 easily inside the Tempest's turn. Worse, the Tempest has rather miserable roll control at low speeds, while the F4U-4 is still rather good. Lets face it, if you're turning circles at 170 mph, the F4U will have flaps out and the Tempest will be as dead as the 2007 Mets.
While the Tempest has better acceleration (the F4U-4 is mighty stout too), it is not enough to escape before getting clobbered. Of course, this acceleration advantage disappears above 7,000 feet, and the F4U-4 widens the gap as you go up. Low level speed also goes to the Tempest. But, like acceleration, reach 7k and its even. At 10k, the F4U-4 is faster. At the Tempest's best altitude (17k), it's only 3 mph faster than the -4 (433 vs 430). Above that, the Tempest gradually loses performance, while the F4U-4 only gets stronger. Eventually, the -4 tops out at 453 mph @ 26,200 feet.
So, while the Tempest is a terrific fighter, it does have two natural enemies that are both more capable dogfighters.. The La-7 and the F4U-4.
My regards,
Widewing