matt...take a look at these...
http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/
http://www.spitfireperformance.com/m...p-11sept44.jpg
maybe this might help you make you your mind. remember..devs dont jump in the seats of the real planes when they make these games. and actually real combat would not sell games. many boys flew over 60, 70, 80+ missions and never achieved ace.....