I keep thinking about this thread. Man this is a tough fight. I am trying to be objective, but I have a place in my heart for the Spitfire. ( don't we all? ) Would the earlier marks, up to the MkV, have the climb advantage? If so, with its additional speed and climb, you could boom and zoom. Though from what I have read the Spit doesn't dive well, but I think that was American pilot views that flew heavier aircraft. But I am thinking the Zero may be equal or superior in the climb, which throws it back to the Spit just having to keep the fight faster than the Zero likes.