After a long hiatus from AH, I came back last night and flew both of these birds for a couple of runs each.
As I am sitting at work today, fully addicted once again, and unable to focus on various tasks here, I will punish you by yapping about whatever pops into my idiot little mind.
I noticed that the ENY of both of these planes was 35, and it got me to thinking about the various strengths and weaknesses of each. At first glance I thought surely the Spit V should have a lower ENY than the A6M3, but now I am not so certain. (And this post certainly isn't some veiled campaign to get it changed, just to chat about AH planes)
First off here are the performance specifications according to AH:
While the WEP is nice in the Spit V, considering the altitudes where these birds are going to be effective in the LWMA (at least in my hands hahaha) it's not staggeringly faster.
The climb rate game is basically the opposite, not a staggering difference but definitely an edge to the A6M3 at low altitude.
I couldn't get any real numbers on the acceleration side of things as Gonzo only has the A6M2 and the A6M5 listed.
On the lethality side, there is a significant disparity in both primary and secondary armament.
With the Spit V you get 2 wonderful Hispanos, but a very short clip of 60 rounds per gun. With the Zeke you get almost twice the ammunition (100 rounds per gun), but in the form of the less desirable Type 99 Mk I cannon (I believe they are Mk I anyway).
Now for me, since I have found myself only using the Type 99's at extreme close range, it seems to make less of an impact... but their versatility certainly isn't as flexible as the Hispanos.
On the secondary side, the Spit V has twice as many guns... and while they are still rifle caliber MGs, that's a significant difference. I am not sure about the rate of fire, but as the Zekes are synchronized to the prop, I would imagine the Spit has a higher rate... though the Zekes are going to be less affected by convergence.
Maneuverability wise, they are both excellent, but the Zeke seems untouchable at low altitude, while the Spit seems to remain more responsive at higher speeds.
Visibility the Spit V wins hands down. The Zeke's birdcage isn't the worst, but I would call it below average, while the Spit V I would say is well above average for all-round visibility - neither have a superb 6 o'clock view.
I don't really have the expertise or experience to say which one holds up to damage better... the Zeke of course burns early and often, but the Spit's wings are big targets.
Personally, I seem to perform better in the A6M3, but I probably just need to get a better handle on how to fly the Spit V. I prefer the A6M3, but I'd have to give the edge to the Spit V if I had to say which plane was "better" overall.
So what do you think? Which plane would you say is better?
