Krhm.. C-47 does only carry 30 passengers when it's on passenger role, and that does not include those parachutes and other gear of soldiers.. (so there we go to downtowns numbers)
Military C-47 should have seats by the walls, when 30 fits when seats are fitted like in the jets.. (There comes big difference in carry numbers)
About turning ability of C-47.. theres stories of even twin engined bombers been turning with fighters in the real war.
I have personally read about one where Blenheim IV of Finnish Air Force we're just about to land at the field which was being harassed by russian fighter (blenheim had radio broken or something and they didnt know about that).
Blenheim had already its flaps and gears down when suddenly firestream went by them, pilot pulled gears up and begun circeling with the fighter on a treetop level, with result of enemy fighter leaving after using up all its ammo and blenheim had alot bullet hits in the right wingtip, but landed safely.
And thats a bomber

Oh. by the way, M3 halftrack carries 12 troops really..
Then I wonder one thing, where is M1919A4 from M3 Halftrack?