Bismarck had better fire control than the Yamato.
Yamato had bigger guns, heavier armor, and longer ranges.
It would be closer to a ‘fair’ fight than either side would like.
Both of ‘em would have been in deep trouble if they ran into an Iowa.
Agreed. The Iowa’s were the pinnacle of battleship development, IMO.
Better Naval engineering, maneuvering speed, top speed, seaworthyness (better than Bismark, at least) fire control (except possibly optical, which the Germans were supposedly very good at) and damage control systems and training.
If I had a choice of any ship of those three to be on in a fight, it would be an Iowa class.
That said, the amount and type of ordinance used to sink the IJN Yamato was staggering. When attacking by torpedo bomber, they had to purposely concentrate on one side of the Yamato, because the Mushashi stayed afloat longer than she should have due to her staying upright longer, IIRC.
Bismarck yes...Yamato no.
Yamato was too well armored and armed over the Iowas.