As IJN are known for its torpedoes, here is how the Yugumo compares to the Fletcher
If the Yugumo uses the 10km torpedoes, its reload is longer than Fletcher, fires 2 less torpedoes, considerably longer reaction, and only 10% more damage.
If the Yugumo uses the 8km torpedoes, it gets significantly better torpedo reload time, much higher speed and marginally more damage, but the same reaction time.
Fletcher has effectively the same torpedoes as the 10km IJN ones, but with better reaction time. Fletcher has 7.4km while Yugumo has 7km detection stock, so both have a generous window to stealth torp. So Yugumos need to use the 8km torpedoes to gain an advantage otherwise they are just a Fletcher with bad guns. This however puts Yugumos perilously close to enemy radars, and have a hard time getting out because of how close they need to be to make use of their primary armament.
Although the Yugumo is in every single way better than the Kagero IX in terms of stats before the dd split. However, it does not have access to the 15km or 20km torpedoes that I recall was on the Fubuki VIII / Kagero IX. I know that those torpedoes are not viable options because of the (historically inaccurate) detection range. However, I only noticed the effectiveness of those long range torpedoes in team play when using my Shimakaze. Yes, I did not hit anything with those torpedoes (well occasionally), but i was able to do area denials and I have once forced an Iowa to turn away from my torpedoes for a good few minutes and only able to fire his rear turret. I know WG does not like this torpedo soup, as a result they put a high detection range on those torpedoes. Without those, the advantage IJN has is nullified, especially when USN has beat IJN at their own game (in terms of game balance, although it is historically accurate). Now Yugumos can only cap when the enemy is not, and are forced to be selfish and push very far forwards otherwise they are just moving smoke generators (which makes worse smokes than USN)
in terms of guns, I'm sure that I do not need to mention about it right?
I know there is a torpedo reload booster available for the Yugumo, which lowers the reload time down to 30s, but you have to give up smoke, unlike the Shiratsuyu. So in my opinion the Yugumo's only redeeming factor is the ridiculously fast torpedoes with fast reload (Damage control party cooldown can still win though), but still lose to USN for stealthiness and effectiveness.
