I used to fly the Spit V exclusively and looked for its equivalent when they porked the ammo load out (I loved my blue Spit V

).
I now fly the F6F and the FM2 almost exclusively.
Of the 2 ... the FM2 is the closest to the Spit ... but ... the F6F is the most dangerous of the 2, but needs to be flown correctly. The F6F is not as forgiving as the FM2.
Yes the FM2 is slower, but if you fly it right and keep it's momentum up, it surprises most who think that they will out zoom it ... plus those .50 cals can reach out a touch ya, from D800 on in, with devastating results. As mentioned ... it dives very well and it is almost as tuff as it's big brother the F6F.
You can throw the FM2 around almost like you can a Spit ... you can not throw and F6-F around like a Spit.
I consistently beat the snot out of any Spit, F6F, and the Hurri in the FM2. The only plane that gives me fits while flying the FM2 is the A6M5.