There are a large number of variants... you can't make a sweeping generalization about which might be better, you need to examine each version in detail and decide which version is being compared to which version.
For the 109F's, for example, you have the following:
109F-1: DB601N engine, (same as the engine in the E-4N), one MG/FFM cannon with 60 rounds firing through the prop, plus the two LMG's.
109F-2: DB601N engine, one MG/151/15mm cannon, (very high velocity, very accurate, but no high explosive rounds) firing through prop, plus two LMG's. Slightly reduced performance, higher stall speed, due to increased weight of larger cannon and ammunition
109F-2 (Late): DB601N engine, one MG/151/20mm cannon, firing through prop, plus two LMG's. (increased weight)
109F-2-Trop: Same as above, but with enlarged air intake filter (increased weight)
109F-4: DB601E engine, rated at 1.30ata boost at 2500 rpm, one MG151/20mm cannon firing through prop, plus two LMG's. (increased weight over F-2, thus higher stall speed)
109F-4-Trop: Same as above, but with enlarged air intake filter
109F-4 (Late): DB601E engine, rated at 1.42ata boost at 2700 rpm, one MG151/20mm cannon firing through prop, plus two LMG's.
109F-4 (Late)-Trop: Same as above, but with larger filter
All the 109's had the fuselage/wing/tail design changes... these were primarily incorporated to provide a more aerodynamic frame, and higher speed, to allow better maneuver at the higher speeds which combat was now occurring, and which the 109F's were now capable of achieving. As part of this, there was a sacrifice in low speed maneuver... the F model had inferior low speed lateral maneuver than the E model. The F's Stall speed, with the higher weight, was also slightly higher than the E.
For the Spitfires, you have the following:
Spit IIB: Same as the IIA, but with reduced performance, higher stall speed due to 20mm gun and ammunition extra weight... Two 20mm Hispano cannon, 4 LMGs.
Spit IIB (Late): Same as above, but with improved lateral maneuverability due to retro-fitted metal ailerons
Spit VA: Merlin 45 rated at +12 boost/3000 rpm, eight LMGs, fabric ailerons (increased weight and higher stall speed over IIB)
Spit VB: Merlin 45 rated at +12 boost/3000 rpm, two 20mm Hispano cannon, 4 LMGs, metal ailerons (increased weight and stall speed over VA)
Spit VB (Late): Merlin 45 rated at +16 boost/3000 rpm, two 20mm Hispano cannon, 4 LMGs, metal ailerons
Spit VB - Trop: Same as above with extra weight and reduced performance due to larger filter.
Spitfires initially were equipped with fabric ailerons, but as the RAF noted in 1941 the 109F was more maneuverable at higher speeds, the metal ailerons were introduced to counter this advantage.
So the fact is, when you look at all the models, comparisons are very much dependent on which version is compared to which.
You'll need to wait till TF 5.0 is out to really find out.
I will also say that you can see from the above list how much work is required... so I hope everyone is patient... TF 5.0 will be done as soon as our resources will allow.
Originally Posted by 235 Sqn. Coldstreamer (QJ-X)
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