[tophat9000]

Im surprised how many here talk like they know something about WW2 aircraft..The Zero was not a POS and we never got aircraft that out maneuvered it..it was defeated by a change in tactic...the tactic was never dogfight with the Zero do a climb and diving tactic...it above dive down put in a heavy burst, exploit Zeros lack of armor and keep on going .. you never turn it...the Zero was exceptional for time..one Zero trait not talked about was its phenomenal range. It had its weaknesses because all combat aircraft are a compromise the trick is finding the trade-offs and the Zero had its own advantages and disadvantages it was a well-balanced line It was never a pos and probably one the best combat aircraft in 1940-41 time frame

[DesertRhino]

The minute anyone chose an energy fight, as did Chennault in China, Zeros always lost. The Zero had the run it did because of its range and the mentality early in the war that the angles fight was what fighter pilots should excel in.
They tried to turn with Zeros and died. When they were taught how to fight a Zero, they won.