I'd say that I'm a pretty good pony pilot. I would and have taken on many other planes in a turning fight. I would say I win 90% of the time. The only reason I don't engage into a turning fight often is that a second fighter (with E) is almost always nearby. Since the 51 is the plane to beat, it is very desirable. When the 51 is low and slow a second fighter will cut power and stay on the 51's six. The second fighter will then brag how good he/she is after killing the 51.
Driving a pony kind of reminds me of a friend who owned a Corvette. Every kid driving their mom's hand-me-down car wants to race a vet. I remember one time a 15-yearold beater Deville pulled next to him and gunned his engine signaling his desire to race when the streetlight turns green. What was really funny was the Deville had a freaken spare tire on the front axle. However, my friend didn’t bother racing the guy.