I have to call BS on this one... The 7 does NOT fly like a 9. Both are great designs and imho, both will please anyone.
FWIW, if you ask Vans (or folks who fly 9's), the 9 is an upgraded 6/7, specifically designed for the more common mission- short flights (great slow speed handling) and x-country (less roll rate sensitivity, more stable, better economy). The latter is less an issue if the 7 has autopilot, btw
IMHO, the only real advantage of the 7 involves its larger fuel tanks and some pilots prefer the 7's ability to bleed off speed/altitude faster. I like the 9s significantly slower stall speed and higher glide ratio- a real safety issue if things go bad.
The top speed differences with similar powerplants is minimal at best, probably less than the differences between individual planes/props, and insignificant at cruise speeds. The 9's wing handles higher altitudes better and is slightly more efficient. You really need to try out a 180+ hp 9/9A sometime- then compare climb performance.
Linear Mode
