Centurion vs M1 Abrams

Overview

The Centurion and the M1 Abrams are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Royal Ordnance Factory and General Dynamics Corp. respectively.

The Centurion weighs 51.0 tons vs 66.8 tons for the M1 Abrams. Top speed is 34 km/h for the Centurion vs 72 km/h for the M1 Abrams. Operational range is 100 km for the Centurion vs 426 km for the M1 Abrams. The Centurion is armed with a 1 L7A1 105mm rifled barrel (70 shells) gun, while the M1 Abrams carries a 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds).

The Centurion has been produced in 4,423 units vs 10,300 for the M1 Abrams. Unit cost is $0.261M for the Centurion vs $8.5M for the M1 Abrams. The Centurion entered service 34 years before the M1 Abrams (1946 vs 1980).

Centurion

British tank, entering service in 1946, saw use in the Korean War and multiple Middle Eastern conflicts.
Profile of Centurion
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Main Battle Tank
Type Heavy Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Royal Ordnance Factory
Number produced 4,423 units
Estimated unit price $0.3 million
→ View full Centurion details

M1 Abrams

American main battle tank, first fielded in 1980, with over 10,300 units manufactured.
Profile of M1 Abrams
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Main Battle Tank
Type Heavy Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer General Dynamics Corp.
Number produced 10,300 units
Estimated unit price $8.5 million
→ View full M1 Abrams details

Centurion

Combat weight 51.0 tons ◉
Maximum speed 34 km/h ◉
Operational range 100 km ◉
Length 9.83 m ◉
Width 3.38 m ◉
Height 2.94 m ◉
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Engine Rolls-Royce Meteor 4B
Main armament 1 L7A1 105mm rifled barrel (70 shells) gun
Secondary weapon 1 M-2HB 12.7mm machine gun (600 rounds)

M1 Abrams

Combat weight 66.8 tons ◉
Maximum speed 72 km/h ◉
Operational range 426 km ◉
Length 9.77 m ◉
Width 3.66 m ◉
Height 2.44 m ◉
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Engine Honeywell AGT1500 multi-fuel turbine engine 1,500 shp (1,120 kW)
Main armament 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds)
Secondary weapon 1 × 0.50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine gun with 900 rounds

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Centurion or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is faster with a maximum road speed of 72 km/h compared to the Centurion's 34 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Centurion or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams has a longer operational range at 426 km compared to the Centurion's 100 km.
Which is heavier, the Centurion or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is heavier at 66.8 tons combat weight compared to the Centurion's 51.0 tons.
Which is larger, the Centurion or M1 Abrams?
The Centurion is longer at 9.83 meters compared to the M1 Abrams's 9.77 meters.
How many crew members do the Centurion and M1 Abrams require?
Both the Centurion and M1 Abrams require a crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver).
Which is more expensive, the Centurion or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is more expensive at approximately $8.5 million per unit compared to the Centurion at $0.3 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Centurion or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams has been produced in greater numbers with 10,300 units compared to 4,423 units of the Centurion.
What are the main armaments of the Centurion and M1 Abrams?
The Centurion is armed with 1 L7A1 105mm rifled barrel (70 shells) gun while the M1 Abrams carries 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds) as its main armament.

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