Author Topic: Spitfire XIV vs. P-51D (Read 501 times)

Spritle · « **on:** December 20, 2002, 01:02:08 PM »

Ignoring the differences in armament how would you compare these 2 planes?

Spritle

Urchin · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2002, 01:06:17 PM »

Spit 14 climbs, accelerates, and turns better. P-51 has the edge in top speed at low alts, I think it is closer at high alts.

Overall I'd take the Spit 14.

Kweassa · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2002, 01:14:56 PM »

Ditto, except the torque on the Spit14 is really harsh.

One too much pull on the stick and the torque kicks in hard, and I mean real hard.

Spritle · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2002, 01:21:13 PM »

I don't like the slow roll of the Spit very much. Also the Spit seems as sluggish as if not more so than the Pony at slower speeds. Do you get the same impression?

Spritle

Vermillion · « **Reply #4 on:** December 20, 2002, 02:33:01 PM »

In AH, in a 1 v 1 situation I take the Spit XIV every time. It so much more versatile.

But if we're talking real life, I might go for the P-51D. When the fecal matter hits the fan, its always important to be able to dump and run.

J_A_B · « **Reply #5 on:** December 20, 2002, 02:48:20 PM »

The Spit 14 is better in every regard except speed on the deck (Spit is faster at altitude) and range. And the Spit is only a hair slower on the deck. Range is really the P-51D's main advantage, which in AH doesn't mean all that much.

J_A_B

lucull · « **Reply #6 on:** December 20, 2002, 02:49:05 PM »

A spit14 with 75% fuel + DT easily outclimbs a P51D with 50% fuel. It's better in everything except top speed. But it's close.

You can dictate the rules of the fight. One on one the P51D can only run if he has luck enough

Pongo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 20, 2002, 03:26:05 PM »

If we had the bubble top Spit XIV...maybe with clipped wings...

Hristo · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2002, 03:56:54 AM »

In a duel, Spit XIV.

In arena, P51D.

davidpt40 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 22, 2002, 02:34:09 AM »

P51 is faster at high alt than Spit (with WEP off). High speed flaps give the Mustang an edge. In a knock-down, drag out dog-fight, the Spitfire would probably win. However, the P51 does have a cleaner airframe, which translates into a better zoom climb. So, if a P51 and Spit met at co-alt, I think the Mustang could keep its speed high enough, zoom climb, and perform at least 1 slashing attack on the Spit.

Hristo · « **Reply #10 on:** December 22, 2002, 07:35:07 AM »

In duel, where running is not an option, high power loading, acceleration, climb and low speed maneuverability will make Spit XIV a clear winner. Only for brief period after the merge P51 has some chance.

In the arena, however, P51D is a winner for me. Faster at all but very high altitudes, far superior range, better visibility, more loadout options, superior dive performance.

buzkill · « **Reply #11 on:** December 22, 2002, 08:15:41 AM »

from experience, the p51 will out turn the spit at low alt./speed easily. gotta love those flaps.