Out of curiosity,how does HMS Dauntless compare to its US counterparts?
I think that comparison would be with the now ageing Arleigh Burke class destroyer-
The Arleigh Burke class destroyer, is larger, heavier and carries a larger supply of more diverse weaponry, while the type 45 is a dedicated anti-air destroyer which is ran 'fitted for but not with' anti ship missile systems. In essence the AB is a better all round ship in terms of weaponry while the type 45 will have to have extra weapons bolted on to be as diverse which it is capable of but to save money it doesnt come equipped with as standard. The type 45's anti sub capability comes from a helicopter based weaponry rather then its own systems.
Both ships are equipped with multi purpose cannons and other such traditional weaponry.
Both ships Have speeds over 30knots which is good pace but the type 45 can travel almost twice the distance.
The main functional difference is the sampson and associated radar systems which give the type 45 massive radar range and scope of many times the distance and many times the amount of targets, the type 45 is capable of monitoring targets the size of golf balls 4x further out then the AB class.
And obviously as a brand new hull the type 45 has been built around a radar 'stealth' body shape, But both air ruddy great targets so I will presume they both pretty easy to hit.
So in essence as a anti-air system or anti-air area defence ship the type 45 kicks ass as it can monitor everything flying across whole countries with immense tracking capabilities, which is probably why the argentians are unhappy its there as it can monitor their entire country while sat in falklands harbour. In terms of a general purpose warship the AB is much better as it has far greater diversity thanks to a wide array of weaponry and capabilities.
Put both in a single fleet with a ASW ship and nothing could get close.