Rip, here are the stats on the Yak-3 and Yak-9U.  Make your own judgement    

Note: Edited about 4 times, trying to get the spacing correct, for a side by side comparison, but no luck. Wish we had a mono spaced font  
 
 ---Yak3---
Engine Model:  VK-105PF-2  
Engine Power (hp):  1,240
Wing Area (sq.ft):  159.8
Empty Weight(lbs):  4,691
Gross Weight(lbs):  5,945
Speed at SL (mph):  351
Speed at Altitude:  398  (at 15k)
Climb to 5k meters:  4.1 mins
Ceiling:  35,500 ft
Turn Time 360deg(secs):  19
Operational Range:  528 miles
---Yak9U---
Engine Model:  VK-107A  
Engine Power (hp):  1,500
Wing Area (sq.ft):  184.6
Empty Weight(lbs):  5,460
Gross Weight(lbs):  6,944
Speed at SL (mph):  373
Speed at Altitude:  434 (at 18k)
Climb to 5k meters:  4.1 mins
Ceiling:  35,500 ft
Turn Time 360deg(secs):  18.5
Operational Range:  549 miles
The Yak-9U is a bigger heavier plane, but it also has more engine power and more wing area.
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Vermillion 
**MOL**, Men of Leisure
"Real Men fly Radials, Nancy Boys fly Spitfires"
[This message has been edited by Vermillion (edited 05-30-2000).]