What is the best piston engine fighter of WWII, separate answers acceptable for early war, mid war, late war, and also for different types of fighters, ex short range interceptors, long range escorts, fighter bombers, air superiority fighters, etc
its a very hard question.
Best early war naval fighter, Zero A6M2
Best early war land fighter, Spitfire IIb
Best mid war naval fighter, F6F Hellcat
Best mid war land fighter, BF109G / P51D Mustang / ki-84 Hayate
Best late war land fighter, FW190A8
Best attack fighter, Tempest / P47 / FW190
I think, the overall most versatile air frame that is competent in all roles assigned is the FW190
Now, the early jets.. P80 vs. ME 262 vs. Gloster Meteor..... I am edging towards the Meteor....
Single engine fighter
Agree A6M is the best early war naval fighter through early 1943
I think Spitfire II, while good, is slightly over rated against Bf109E. Bf109E is the best early war land fighter through 1941. In 1942 it was FW-190A
Agree F6F Hellcat is the best naval fighter 1943-1944
Best low to medium altitude fighter 1943 is a even match between the Soviet Yak-9 and FW-190A
Best medium to high altitude fighter 1943 is even match between Spitfire IX and BF109G
Best low to medium altitude fighter 1944 is hawker Tempest
Best medium to high altitude fighter 1944 is even match between P-51D, P-47D, Spitfire XIV, FW-190D, and Ki-84.
In 1945 KI-100 and TA-152H are the best dog fighter and best high altitude fighters respectively.
Best twin engine heavy fighter:
1939-1941: P-38
1941-1945: split Mosquito and P-38
1945: Do335
Best true night fighter (quality as fighter)
1941: Beaufighter
1942: BF110
1943-1944: HE219
1945: H-219 and P-61.