P-51 vs La-7

[SgtPappy]

I haven't played this game long enough to really distinguish between the aspects of each aircraft, but from what I know, the La-7 was a monster at low altitude in terms of top speed and acceleration.

I've also come under the impression that the Lavochkin turns a little too well... outturning the Spitfire Mk.IX despite having a significantly higher wing-loading, similar powerloading and likely being similarly aerodynamically clean.

At any rate, I've been wanting to fly the P-51D for a while now but I'm not sure how to fly it here. In IL-2 1946, I'd fly the better-handling P-51B/Mustang Mk.III (the REAL one, not our random Mustang Mk.Ia). In this game, I'm not sure how to defeat an La-7. Diving should work initially and the superbly clean Mustang should keep its speed for a while longer, but the Mustang can't do anything against an La-7 at low altitude. I simply don't see how I'd be able to find the necesary altitude to BnZ an La-7, since the P-51 really only outmatches (from tests I've seen) the La-7 in speed above 6000 feet.

Any feedback? Thanks!