Throughout WWII the Grumman F-4F4 and the Mitsubishi Zero battled head to head in many significant dogfights in the Pacific Theater of the war with many being shot down on both sides. The Zero's top speed 330mph had better horsepower to weight ratio, which emphasized maneuverability, long range, and rate of climb in its design. When in higher altitudes and speed, the playing field was evened against the Wildcat as the Zero would become harder to manuever giving the Wildcat a better advantage. Without any plan for defence on the Zero, the Wildcat could take much more damage without fear of being immediately overtaken as it contained many features to help stop bullets taken in the dogfights. The Wildcat became superior in the line of defence, when the Zero sole focus was offence, they continued to be formidable opponents througout World War II. Successful Operation Torch was the first massive air attack in the European and North African Theater by the United States was involved in upon entering into WWII assisted by Wilcats, making them become a staple of the United States Navy throughout the entirety of the war serving mostly in escort fighter roles. They may not have been the fastest or the best, but they were crucial in the many successful wins for the Navy in WWII.