Olifant 1 vs T-72
The Olifant 1 and the T-72 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by OMC Engineering and Malyshev HMB Plant respectively. The Olifant 1 weighs 56.0 tons vs 44.5 tons for the T-72. Top speed is 34 km/h for the Olifant 1 vs 60 km/h for the T-72. Operational range is 150 km for the Olifant 1 vs 500 km for the T-72. The Olifant 1 is armed with a 1 L7A3 105mm rifled barrel gun, while the T-72 carries a 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun. The Olifant 1 has been produced in 250 units vs 25,000 for the T-72.
| South African tank, 250 units built, manufactured by OMC Engineering. | |
| Origin country | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Heavy Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | OMC Engineering |
| Number produced | 250 units |
| Estimated unit price | $-- million |
| Ex-USSR main battle tank, entering service in 1973, with approximately 25,000 units built. | |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Medium Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Malyshev HMB Plant |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $2 million |
| Combat weight | 56.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 34 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 150 km â—‰ |
| Length | 8.29 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.39 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.94 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 4 |
| Engine | Rolls Royce Meteor 4B V-12 Diesel Engine with 750 hp |
| Main armament | 1 L7A3 105mm rifled barrel gun |
| Secondary weapon | 1 7.62mm AA machine gun |
| Combat weight | 44.5 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 500 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.73 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.59 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.23 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
| Engine | V-92S2F (T-72B3 & T-72B3M) 1,130 hp (840 kW) |
| Main armament | 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62 mm PKT coax. machine gun |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Olifant 1 or T-72?
The T-72 is faster with a maximum road speed of 60 km/h compared to the Olifant 1's 34 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Olifant 1 or T-72?
The T-72 has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the Olifant 1's 150 km.
Which is heavier, the Olifant 1 or T-72?
The Olifant 1 is heavier at 56.0 tons combat weight compared to the T-72's 44.5 tons.
Which is larger, the Olifant 1 or T-72?
The T-72 is longer at 9.73 meters compared to the Olifant 1's 8.29 meters.
How many crew members do the Olifant 1 and T-72 require?
The Olifant 1 requires a larger crew of 4 compared to the T-72's 3 (commander, gunner, driver) crew members.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Olifant 1 or T-72?
The T-72 has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 250 units of the Olifant 1.
What are the main armaments of the Olifant 1 and T-72?
The Olifant 1 is armed with 1 L7A3 105mm rifled barrel gun while the T-72 carries 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun as its main armament.