Not so. The P-47 was probably the most vital fighter of the war. More than any other weapon the Germans utterly dreaded the “jabos”. German fighters were generally unable to deal with their speed, heavy armor, and armament.
The range was on longer an issue after D-day gave them French bases.
Despite its extremely dangerous assignments, it had the lowest loss rate of any USAF fighter in the ETO. It’s ability to survive battle damage was legendary, as was its ability to dish it out. The paddle bladed D model dominated any German it encountered.
And with its 8 guns, nothing matched its firepower.
The P-51 is and was beautiful, but its main trick was its range. It was delicate and not a good choice for ground attack. A solid case can be made that aside from the Corsair, the P-47 was indeed the apogee of prop fighters.
Corsairs and other radial-engine fighters returned to aircraft carriers with cylinders shot away!
≡≡8-O