M1 Abrams vs T-72
| 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 |
| 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 | 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 | 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 M1 Abrams or T-72?
The M1 Abrams is faster with a maximum road speed of 72 km/h compared to the T-72's 60 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the M1 Abrams or T-72?
The T-72 has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the M1 Abrams's 426 km.
Which is heavier, the M1 Abrams or T-72?
The M1 Abrams is heavier at 66.8 tons combat weight compared to the T-72's 44.5 tons.
Which is larger, the M1 Abrams or T-72?
The M1 Abrams is longer at 9.77 meters compared to the T-72's 9.73 meters.
How many crew members do the M1 Abrams and T-72 require?
The M1 Abrams requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) compared to the T-72's 3 (commander, gunner, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the M1 Abrams or T-72?
The M1 Abrams is more expensive at approximately $8.5 million per unit compared to the T-72 at $2.0 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the M1 Abrams or T-72?
The T-72 has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 10,300 units of the M1 Abrams.
What are the main armaments of the M1 Abrams and T-72?
The M1 Abrams is armed with 120 mm L/44 M256 smoothbore gun (40 rounds) while the T-72 carries 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun as its main armament.