La7 is faster under 20k.
The Spit 16 does roll better.
The Spit 16 outclimbs the La7 with wep but w/o wep both have a near identical climb under 8k.
La7 out accelerates the spit 16.
From 100-250mph their accelerations are practically identical.
With no flaps the Spit 16 does out turn the La7 but it is somewhat close "ish". Similar to a Spit 16 vs. a Niki.
Mosq's Data
No flaps radius
Spit16 590.2
La7 616
No flaps turn rate
Spit16 22.4 dps
La7 20.8 dps
2dps per is a pretty decent lead in rate.
Full flaps their turn rates are pretty much identical.
With a slight edge still going to the Spit. According to Mosq's data the Spit will still complete a full turn
~3 seconds before the La7 will, sustained. That is not an entirely insignificant edge. Getting into subjective handling is dangerous, but I'd say the Spit16 is easier and more stable "riding the edge" wouldn't you? Slots are problematic.
Looks to me like a very close match up with a huge edge to the La7 because of speed. Because of that speed the La7 gets to dictate the fight. So the La7 pilot not only can engage and disengage at will but if they so choose the La7 can drop flaps and stall fight 'em.
How exactly is that inferior in every way? Sounds to me like the La7 has a pretty big edge.
I said inferior in every way except top speed. It turns that the La7 is also identical in low end, and superior in top end acceleration. Mea culpa. I think it is rather dangerous to discount roll rate, climb rate, Hispanos, and yes, the Spit's slight edge in turning, which IMO is not as slight in reality as it appears on paper.
And I agree that I would rather see a Spit 16's than La7's. The typical dweeb 16 pilot tends to fight it out. I also agree that the La7 should have a light perk (2-3 perks) for the 3 gun package.
Actually, you've made quite the good argument for assigning the La7 a perk price also. Very nice.