Why do Spitfires turn better than Hurricanes?!

[lane]

Originally Posted by bugmenot

Pierre Clostermann, Spitfire pilot.
"I tried to fire on a '109' that I spotted in the chaos. Not possible, I couldn't get the correct angle. My plane juddered on the edge of a stall. It was comforting that the Spitfire turned better than the '109'! Certainly at high speed - but not at low speed."

Is that quote a fabrication? I’ve seen it on various aviation boards over the years and never once was it ever accompanied with a legitimate citation. Clostermann’s narrative in The Big Show seems to contradict that quote. Firstly it must also be said that Clostermann didn’t fly operationally during the Battle of Britain nor fly Spitfire I's in combat, so hoax or not, it doesn’t apply to Spitfire I/Me 109 E. His first operational sortie was with 341 Squadron in April 1943 flying Spitfire IXs.

Clostermann describing a Spitfire IX versus Me 109 G combat from 26th September, 1943:

"He knew that my Spitfire turned better and climbed better…" (See attachment)

Clostermann describing a Tempest V, Me 109 combat during 1945.
"I kept on reminding my pilots to keep their speed above 300 m.p.h., for “109’s” could turn better than we could at low speed…" (See attachment)

Something fishy…