How the Martlet compared with European fighters

How did the Martlet stack up against European fighters?

It compared well enough and was substantially better than the Royal Navy's other available single-seat naval fighters.

The Wildcat or Martlet performed reasonably well against European fighters and was markedly better than the Royal Navy's other available single-seat naval fighters. It proved useful in the Mediterranean, where the Fleet Air Arm needed a credible carrier fighter. Its range and availability also supported convoy and patrol work over the Bay of Biscay. The judgment is relative to the Royal Navy's alternatives and does not claim that it outclassed every land-based opponent.