The Germans' Messerschmitt Bf 109E and 110C squared up against the British workhorse Hawker Hurricane Mk I and the less numerous Supermarine Spitfire Mk I. The Bf 109E had a better climb rate and was 10 to 30 mph faster than the Hurricane, depending on the altitude. In September 1940, the more powerful Mk IIa series 1 Hurricane started entering service but only in small numbers. That version was capable of a maximum speed of 342  mph, 25 to 30  mph faster than the Mk I.