Challenger vs M1 Abrams

British main battle tank, entering service in 1983, manufactured by Vickers Defense Systems with 420 built.
Profile of Challenger
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Main Battle Tank
Type Heavy Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Vickers Defense Systems
Number produced 420 units
Estimated unit price $1.5 million
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
Combat weight 62.0 tons â—‰
Maximum speed 56 km/h â—‰
Operational range 450 km â—‰
Length 11.56 m â—‰
Width 3.51 m â—‰
Height 2.95 m â—‰
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Engine Perkins CV12 26 litre diesel 1,200 hp (895 kW)
Main armament Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun
Secondary weapon 7.62 mm L8A2
Combat weight 66.8 tons â—‰
Maximum speed 72 km/h â—‰
Operational range 426 km â—‰
Length 9.77 m â—‰
Width 3.66 m â—‰
Height 2.44 m â—‰
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 Challenger or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is faster with a maximum road speed of 72 km/h compared to the Challenger's 56 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Challenger or M1 Abrams?
The Challenger has a longer operational range at 450 km compared to the M1 Abrams's 426 km.
Which is heavier, the Challenger or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is heavier at 66.8 tons combat weight compared to the Challenger's 62.0 tons.
Which is larger, the Challenger or M1 Abrams?
The Challenger is longer at 11.56 meters compared to the M1 Abrams's 9.77 meters.
How many crew members do the Challenger and M1 Abrams require?
Both the Challenger and M1 Abrams require a crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver).
Which is more expensive, the Challenger or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is more expensive at approximately $8.5 million per unit compared to the Challenger at $1.5 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Challenger or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams has been produced in greater numbers with 10,300 units compared to 420 units of the Challenger.
What are the main armaments of the Challenger and M1 Abrams?
The Challenger is armed with Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun while the M1 Abrams carries 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds) as its main armament.