Leopard 1 vs M1 Abrams

Overview

The Leopard 1 and the M1 Abrams are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Krauss-Maffei and General Dynamics Corp. respectively.

The Leopard 1 weighs 42.4 tons vs 66.8 tons for the M1 Abrams. Top speed is 65 km/h for the Leopard 1 vs 72 km/h for the M1 Abrams. Operational range is 600 km for the Leopard 1 vs 426 km for the M1 Abrams. The Leopard 1 is armed with a 105 mm Royal Ordnance L7 A3 L/52 rifled gun, while the M1 Abrams carries a 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds).

The Leopard 1 has been produced in 6,565 units vs 10,300 for the M1 Abrams. Unit cost is $0.25M for the Leopard 1 vs $8.5M for the M1 Abrams. The Leopard 1 entered service 15 years before the M1 Abrams (1965 vs 1980).

Leopard 1

German tank, entering service in 1965, was manufactured by Krauss-Maffei with 6,565 units built.
Profile of Leopard 1
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany
Category Main Battle Tank
Type Medium Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Krauss-Maffei
Number produced 6,565 units
Estimated unit price $0.3 million
→ View full Leopard 1 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

Leopard 1

Combat weight 42.4 tons ◉
Maximum speed 65 km/h ◉
Operational range 600 km ◉
Length 9.54 m ◉
Width 3.37 m ◉
Height 2.70 m ◉
Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, radio operator/loader)
Engine MTU MB 838 MTCA Diesel Engine with 830 hp
Main armament 105 mm Royal Ordnance L7 A3 L/52 rifled gun
Secondary weapon 7.62 mm MG 3 or FN MAG (co-axial)

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 Leopard 1 or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is faster with a maximum road speed of 72 km/h compared to the Leopard 1's 65 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Leopard 1 or M1 Abrams?
The Leopard 1 has a longer operational range at 600 km compared to the M1 Abrams's 426 km.
Which is heavier, the Leopard 1 or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is heavier at 66.8 tons combat weight compared to the Leopard 1's 42.4 tons.
Which is larger, the Leopard 1 or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is longer at 9.77 meters compared to the Leopard 1's 9.54 meters.
How many crew members do the Leopard 1 and M1 Abrams require?
The M1 Abrams requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) compared to the Leopard 1's 4 (commander, driver, gunner, radio operator/loader) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Leopard 1 or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams is more expensive at approximately $8.5 million per unit compared to the Leopard 1 at $0.2 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Leopard 1 or M1 Abrams?
The M1 Abrams has been produced in greater numbers with 10,300 units compared to 6,565 units of the Leopard 1.
What are the main armaments of the Leopard 1 and M1 Abrams?
The Leopard 1 is armed with 105 mm Royal Ordnance L7 A3 L/52 rifled gun while the M1 Abrams carries 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds) as its main armament.

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