Leclerc vs M1 Abrams
The Leclerc and the M1 Abrams are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by KNDS and General Dynamics Corp. respectively. The Leclerc weighs 57.4 tons vs 66.8 tons for the M1 Abrams. Top speed is 71 km/h for the Leclerc vs 72 km/h for the M1 Abrams. Operational range is 650 km for the Leclerc vs 426 km for the M1 Abrams. The Leclerc is armed with a GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm tank gun, while the M1 Abrams carries a 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds). The Leclerc has been produced in 862 units vs 10,300 for the M1 Abrams. Unit cost is $17M for the Leclerc vs $8.5M for the M1 Abrams. The M1 Abrams entered service 12 years before the Leclerc (1980 vs 1992).
| French tank, entering service in 1992, features composite armor and an autoloader. | |
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| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Heavy Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | KNDS |
| Number produced | 862 units |
| Estimated unit price | $17 million |
| American main battle tank, first fielded in 1980, with over 10,300 units manufactured. | |
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| 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 | 57.4 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 71 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 650 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.87 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.60 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.53 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, gunner, driver) |
| Engine | V8X SACM (Wärtsilä) 8-cylinder diesel engine 1,100 kW (1,500 hp) |
| Main armament | GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm tank gun |
| Secondary weapon | 12.7 mm coaxial M2HB machine gun (1,100 rounds) |
| 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 Leclerc or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is faster with a maximum road speed of 72 km/h compared to the Leclerc's 71 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Leclerc or M1 Abrams?
The Leclerc has a longer operational range at 650 km compared to the M1 Abrams's 426 km.
Which is heavier, the Leclerc or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is heavier at 66.8 tons combat weight compared to the Leclerc's 57.4 tons.
Which is larger, the Leclerc or M1 Abrams?
The Leclerc is longer at 9.87 meters compared to the M1 Abrams's 9.77 meters.
How many crew members do the Leclerc and M1 Abrams require?
The M1 Abrams requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) compared to the Leclerc's 3 (Commander, gunner, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Leclerc or M1 Abrams?
The Leclerc is more expensive at approximately $17.0 million per unit compared to the M1 Abrams at $8.5 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Leclerc or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams has been produced in greater numbers with 10,300 units compared to 862 units of the Leclerc.
What are the main armaments of the Leclerc and M1 Abrams?
The Leclerc is armed with GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm tank gun while the M1 Abrams carries 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds) as its main armament.