Spitfire supposed to dive better than the 109?

[*Buzzsaw*]

Salute

Anyone bothering to read the historical tests of the respective aircraft, (early 109 and Spit), you will find both rolled very poorly at high speeds.

And high speed rolls or abrupt use of the elevator at high speed was not recommended for either. This could result in wing loss for either aircraft, the Luftwaffe Command had an advisory put out on the 109's mid war after there were quite a number of wing losses due to over zealous aileron use at high speeds. Spitfires in all versions could suffer structural damage when the elevator was pulled hard at high speeds.

The facts are: Both of these planes were capable of achieving speeds at which ham handed use of the controls could cause catastrophic damage. Yank and Bank drivers need not apply.

This is especially the case when there has been damage taken. Make sure you check your aircraft for damage before launching yourself into a vertical descent. If you don't, don't complain when parts start to come loose.