I truly believe that a comparison between modern "tuned" (whether Piped IC or electric with all the bells and whistles, and the best of the "Classic era" stunt planes is purely based on the skill of the flier!
While it's true that most of the best of these older designs with modern control systems and tuning devices, such as adjustable control surfaces, adjustable leadouts etc.., can be competitive in the right hands, the simple fact remains that only the very best fliers can make them perform as well as the modern designs. In other words...in my humble, but experienced opinion, the modern designs such as the Impact, Trivial Pursuit, and a number of others, of that "ILK" are simply much easier to fly well, especially under less than ideal conditions.
Having just finished and competed with a Colossus at this past VSC under less than "ideal conditions" I can testify to this "FACT"!
I find the older designs will, in the best conditions, and in the "BEST" hands, certainly fly an excellent pattern that will "stand" with anything.
My "New" Collosus gave a respectable performance at this VSC in less than "reasonable conditions" but was not easy to fly and was "exhausting" to keep up with. Yes a lot of that was my recent return to competition, and less than stellar health, but I can tell you with conviction that it must be flown intently at all times!!! I've found that to be pretty much true of any comparison between the older "smaller tail volume" more forward CG Classic designs and modern Stunt ships such as those mentioned above.
Of course, as mentioned by many above, modern power plants make all of them easier to deal with!
I suspect that the Colossus would be much more difficult to come to "grips" with, when using a K&B 45 or even a good ST46, like some of the originals. In fact I can't imagine flying a "BIG" 65 oz airplane like that without the RO Jett 61, or equivalent that's in it!
I would mention that the first flight on the airplane in competition was actually the 14th flight in it's existence and it will probably get better with more trimming and better concentration on the part of it's pilot!
I seriously doubt however, it will ever compare to my GeoXL for ease of flying the best patterns! I'm no Ted Fancher, or Paul Walker, or David Fitzgerald and never will be so I need an airplane that is easier to fly.
Any one who does not agree that Skill is the key to making the older airplanes perform like modern ones, needs to witness Joe Gilbert flying a 600 point pattern with a "STINK'n RINGMASTER" with a .25 engine in conditions that border on "terrible" then go and try it!
I saw it and still can't believe it!!! A Ringmaster won Classic in rotten wind at VSC! IMPOSSIBLE!!! Only in the hands of "Mr. Ringmaster"! Unbelievable skill and determination, my friends. Absolutely NOTHING ELSE! It just about looked like a "combat plane" flying a near perfect pattern!
Unfortunately most of us are simply human and need a "real" Stunt plane!
Just my two cents!
Randy Cuberly