Gathering of Mustang Legends

[acstoon]

So . . .
NOT the one intended by the typer.
I know... but it was fun research...

What AMAZES me is how the radial engined Navy fighters can be SO close in performance to the Mustang (I am thinking of the later F6Fs, Bearcat and F2G Corsairs), while looking so "squared" and "bulky."

I agree on the looks, department.
Generally, it's a trade-off... During that era, radial/aircooled engines offered easier maintenance and more hp-per-lb, than water cooled...but were bulkier, with more frontal area. Water cooled engines offer more streamline mounting potential, but are usually heavier, and slightly less hp-per-lb.
Would have been interesting to see how the Bearcat & Tigercat would have faired in combat, though!

.....