Comparing First World War destroyers by year and mission

Which navy had the best all-around destroyer design during the First World War?

British types receive strong support, especially the later V and W classes, but a useful comparison must specify the year and distinguish personal favorites from design tradeoffs.

A destroyer built in 1914 belongs to a different generation from one built in 1918, so the year matters when choosing the best design. Wartime construction let improvements reach service quickly. Clarke's preference for Tribals sits alongside support for the British V and W classes and wartime S class, while the Clemson class's reputation is questioned. American ships could carry more torpedo tubes, but launchers divided between the two sides offered less flexibility and added weight with consequences for stability. The comparison also distinguishes durable construction from a navy retaining its older destroyers for longer. Personal favorites therefore coexist with practical questions about date, layout, and operating role.