M1 Abrams vs Merkava
The M1 Abrams and the Merkava are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by General Dynamics Corp. and Israeli Military Industries respectively. The M1 Abrams weighs 66.8 tons vs 61.0 tons for the Merkava. Top speed is 72 km/h for the M1 Abrams vs 55 km/h for the Merkava. Operational range is 426 km for the M1 Abrams vs 500 km for the Merkava. The M1 Abrams is armed with a 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds), while the Merkava carries a 1 M68 105mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun. Unit cost is $8.5M for the M1 Abrams vs $3M for the Merkava.
| American main battle tank, first fielded in 1980, with over 10,300 units manufactured. | |
| 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 |
| Israeli main battle tank, incorporates engine-forward design, used extensively in the Yom Kippur War. | |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Heavy Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Israeli Military Industries |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | $3 million |
| 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 |
| Combat weight | 61.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 55 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 500 km â—‰ |
| Length | 7.60 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.70 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.70 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 4 |
| Engine | Continental AVDS 1790-9AR V-12 Diesel Engine with 900 hp |
| Main armament | 1 M68 105mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun |
| Secondary weapon | 1 60mm mortar |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the M1 Abrams or Merkava?
The M1 Abrams is faster with a maximum road speed of 72 km/h compared to the Merkava's 55 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the M1 Abrams or Merkava?
The Merkava has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the M1 Abrams's 426 km.
Which is heavier, the M1 Abrams or Merkava?
The M1 Abrams is heavier at 66.8 tons combat weight compared to the Merkava's 61.0 tons.
Which is larger, the M1 Abrams or Merkava?
The M1 Abrams is longer at 9.77 meters compared to the Merkava's 7.60 meters.
How many crew members do the M1 Abrams and Merkava require?
The M1 Abrams requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) compared to the Merkava's 4 crew members.
Which is more expensive, the M1 Abrams or Merkava?
The M1 Abrams is more expensive at approximately $8.5 million per unit compared to the Merkava at $3.0 million.
What are the main armaments of the M1 Abrams and Merkava?
The M1 Abrams is armed with 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds) while the Merkava carries 1 M68 105mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun as its main armament.