When the Thunderbolt arrived in the UK the spit pilots would go into a climb and out climb the Jug. That was until the props were changed.. after that. the Jug would leave the spits behind.. going verticle. Speed is life. in pilots terms. With it he can engage or not.. he gets to chose.
Every fighter had its weakness. The job was to determine that weakness and exploit it to your advantage.
As to roll rates.. most WWII fighters had roll rates in the 3.5 seconds per roll. Not all that fast but similar for most planes of the times. The importance of the roll rate can determine when a Split S or other evasive manuver can be executed.. leaving the foe on your six looking for you.