It isn't even close. Go up:
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The chart reflects full internal fuel. With 25% fuel, the A-20G climbs much better. Typically, 50% fuel is the most I will load. When fighting defensively, I take 25% (that's good for about 15 minutes).
Then there's that physics thing... Inertia. We tested the A-20 along side a Yak-9U. Level at 350 mph with the A-20 just 400 yards behind, the Yak goes pure vertical, and the A-20 follows. What happens? The A-20 closes to 200 yards and the Yak stalls first (about two seconds difference). Compared to the best climbers, Spit 16 and 109K-4, the A-20 maintains pace long enough to kill the fighter (again, in the pure vertical). So, if you're flying a fighter, you had better have a significant E advantage, or be higher to begin.
The A-20 is not a fighter, but you can catch many players flat-footed and give them a beating. This results from decent performance, and the fact that most players do not expect an A-20 to be very aggressive and certainly not flown by a very dangerous and capable pilot.
So, how does one cope with an expertly flown A-20? Well, you have to exercise sound judgement.
I fly the A-20 as a fighter frequently, and when not flying from a capped field (which I do just for fun), can often maintain a 4/1 K/D with it. Here's my advice.
1) Never assume that the A-20 is not piloted by an expert stick until proven otherwise.
2) Treat the A-20 with respect. It's far more capable than any other medium bomber, and a can give some fighters a very hard time.
3) Be prepared to unload and get separation if you find yourself Co-E with an aggressive A-20.
4) Maintain your E state to begin, get above the A-20 if possible without allowing the range to close to gun range.
5) Never go pure vertical with an A-20 that has a similar E state, especially if it's already within or close to effective gun range. If you are going to go up, spiral climb. Never do a straight climb Co-E. A spiral climb causes the A-20 to turn tighter to pull lead. The associated induced drag will quickly eat into the A-20's E faster than that of the fighter (especially, a late-war, high performance fighter).
6) Watch out for the over-shoot. It's easy to scrub speed from the A-20.. A common defensive maneuver for A-20 sticks is to enter a gradual turn, slowing tightening the radius. As the faster attacking fighter pulls harder to get lead, the A-20 will roll level and pull up into a big barrel roll, ending up on your six, guns blazing.
7) A-20s are vulnerable to front quarter shots, especially from above. There's no pilot protection from the upper front (windshield is not armored) and not much from other nose-on angles.
8) A-20s have external views, which means that sometimes, they can see you when you can't see them. They are very hard to sneak up on, with no blind spots.
