The overall performance edge is most decisively with the Spit14, that's undeniable.
But the problem is, while the P-38 can go vertical at will, the suspicious FM at going vertical(in case HT may read this, I'm only talking about the discussions on the tail-slide or the hammerhead!

), makes it incredibly difficult for a high torque plane to attempt to follow the P-38.
What makes it worse, a pilot is very much more reluctant to push the Spit14 to it's limits due to the humongous torque factor. So usually the Spit14 pilot is somewhat more passive, compared to the guy in the P-38. Often, this may result in a tactical disadvantage for the Spit14, unless the pilot is really experienced with the plane and is willing to push to the edge of the envelope.