Spit 16 is ranked #32 in top speed @ sea level.
Hey Lusche, wouldn't a better measure of speed in the MA below 15K. Diving until 400 is reached WEP or not. Then how long the fighter in question holds that speed?
For a very short period the Spit16 using a dive will get within guns distance to a running poni where many of them are on WEP but, didn't dive first to max speed to run away. So will a spit8, Brewster, A6m5, Hurri and so forth. But, for very tiny varying length windows of opportunity.
It still comes down to pilot skill or, luck with less experienced players. And it's how those pesky Brewsters and A6m always get me when I don't pay attention. I always pay attention to spit16 because they can trade alt for amazing speed in a moment. I've run down my share of ponis knowing this in a spit16.
Heck the Yak 9u should be perked. You can dive it to 500 and run down 262 for a short window of time. It gets to 500 very fast in a dive and fly's like a P-80 at that point. Himmm, small airframe, pointy nose, pointy wings.....yeah P-80.