Out performing a friend

The title is a little vague, so let me explain the situation. I have a friend who is building a computer at the same time as I am. We've been talking and discussing if certain options are good and what not. However, just recently, I mentioned that I was going to pair a 4070 Super with a 7800x3d and he laughed and said that's a horrible option. I did my research and I was pretty sure he was wrong. Well recently I figured out that he changed his computer specs to match mine. I like the 4070 super and I feel like I'm getting something that's worth the money. However, for 7 years I have had the slow computer, the one who should never host multiplayer. But if we're going to have the same computer, than he'll still complain that my computer is not "adequate."

So that's what I need help with. How can I outperform my friend without feeling ripped off by buying a higher card? Would a higher card be worth the extra money?