Well, when you compare the two types, you'll see that out of the two, the Tu-2 probably deserves the accolade more. Described in one book I've read as the most sophisticated and advanced twin piston engined aircraft built in the Soviet Union in WW2, the Tu-2 was "aerodynamically outstanding, particular attention to low drag with stiff sandwich wing skins, flush rivetting on all external surfaces and painstaking attention to detail on original aircraft 103 [the prototype], as witness speed higher than any Soviet fighter then in service." First flying in January 1941, the prototype reached the astonishing speed of 395 mph. The Tu-2 is regularly described as one of the outstanding aircraft of WW2.
Comparing the standard production models of the two, the Tu-2S could carry a heavier load at a higher speed, across a greater distance at a higher altitude than the Pe-2, although the
Pe-2 was faster in the climb. Seeing extensive service post war, the Tu-2, like the Pe-2 was built for a variety of roles, including bomber interceptor, specialised ground attack (sturmovik), long range bomber, radar equipped night fighter (the Tu-2/104 carried out the first radar intercept trials in Soviet Union), torpedo bomber and not to forget test bed, including ejection seat trials; one also was fitted with a single Rolls Royce Nene under its belly for testing, as well as Russian engines.
Before I learned about this aircraft, I visited an air museum (actually two) in Poland where it was pointed out to me that the Tu-2 was considered the Russian Mosquito, hence the use of the quote in my blurb above. It was a winner.
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