GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

T-72 vs Type 79

T-72 main battle tank side profile drawing
🇷🇺 T-72
Type 79 main battle tank side profile drawing
🇨🇳 Type 79
Change comparison vs
Specifications
T-72 Type 79
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇨🇳 China
Category Main Battle Tank Main Battle Tank
Type Medium Main Battle Tank Medium Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Malyshev HMB Plant Norinco
Number produced 25,000 units 300 units
Estimated unit price $2 million $-- million
Combat weight 44.5 tons 39.0 tons
Maximum speed 60 km/h 50 km/h
Operational range 500 km 440 km
Length 9.73 m 8.55 m
Width 3.59 m 3.27 m
Height 2.23 m 2.80 m
Crew 3 (commander, gunner, driver) 3
Performance Radar Chart
Armament & Powertrain
T-72 Type 79
Main armament 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun 1 100 smoothbore barrel gun
Secondary weapon 7.62 mm PKT coax. machine gun 1 NSV 12.7mm machine gun
Engine V-92S2F (T-72B3 & T-72B3M) 1,130 hp (840 kW) Diesel Engine with 750 hp

Overview

The T-72 and the Type 79 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Malyshev HMB Plant and Norinco respectively.

The T-72 weighs 44.5 tons vs 39.0 tons for the Type 79. Top speed is 60 km/h for the T-72 vs 50 km/h for the Type 79. Operational range is 500 km for the T-72 vs 440 km for the Type 79. The T-72 is armed with a 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun, while the Type 79 carries a 1 100 smoothbore barrel gun.

The T-72 has been produced in 25,000 units vs 300 for the Type 79. The T-72 entered service 11 years before the Type 79 (1973 vs 1984).

Related Comparisons
T-72 vs T-90 T-72 vs M1 Abrams T-72 vs T-64 T-72 vs M1A1 Abrams T-72 vs Type 59MII T-72 vs M60A3 TTS Patton

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the T-72 or Type 79?
The T-72 is faster with a maximum road speed of 60 km/h compared to the Type 79's 50 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the T-72 or Type 79?
The T-72 has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the Type 79's 440 km.
Which is heavier, the T-72 or Type 79?
The T-72 is heavier at 44.5 tons combat weight compared to the Type 79's 39.0 tons.
Which is larger, the T-72 or Type 79?
The T-72 is longer at 9.73 meters compared to the Type 79's 8.55 meters.
How many crew members do the T-72 and Type 79 require?
The T-72 requires a larger crew of 3 (commander, gunner, driver) compared to the Type 79's 3 crew members.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the T-72 or Type 79?
The T-72 has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 300 units of the Type 79.
What are the main armaments of the T-72 and Type 79?
The T-72 is armed with 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun while the Type 79 carries 1 100 smoothbore barrel gun as its main armament.