# Pick a tank, any tank. With poll! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 30, 2011, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570 "2011-11-30T16:41:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mr.Kobayashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4af34b/32.png) [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/1 "2011-11-30T16:41:04Z")
Bit of bad news for you - World War III has kicked off, Commie-Nazi space aliens are brainwashing world leaders and it’s all kicked off. Fortunately, you’ve got a picture of a general in a tutu so he agrees to make you a tank commander, with full training and an experienced crew. All you need to do is pick which main battle tank you want to take into battle, which could be anywhere in the world. Wiki links: [Leopard 2.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_2) [M1A2 Abrams.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1A2#Variants_and_upgrades) [Challenger 2.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenger_2) [AMX-56 Leclerc.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leclerc) [Type 99.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_99) [T-90.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-90) [Al-Khadlid “The Immortal” MBT-2000](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Khalid_tank) [Merkava Mk IV](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkava#Merkava_Mark_IV) [Type 10.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_10) Thanks to **Ellen Cherry** for locking the other one, teaches me to hit the submit button too soon. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/2 "2011-11-30T17:06:46Z")
The South Korean [K2](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K2_Black_Panther) is probably a better choice than the Japanese type 10 - being in a heavier class but with the same up to date technology. It should be a serious contender in this poll. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Kobayashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4af34b/32.png) [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/3 "2011-11-30T17:14:01Z")
Hmm, well, that’s the ‘other’ option. Me, I’d go with the Challenger 2, being British. Better armour than the Abrams, only one has ever been knocked out…by another Challenger 2. ---
**Author:** ![casdave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c6cbf5/32.png) [@casdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/casdave)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/4 "2011-11-30T18:21:38Z")
You might decide that the Leopard with its very powerful gun would be your best bet, or the Challenger with its armour, however its much more than about one tank. By far the most important thing is logistics and the ability to communicate, and that means the use of digital technology. That leaves the M1A2 Abrams. If you want to start theorising about , say, 400 of tanks of choice with supply lines able to support them and including targetting technology using GPS, then the choice might be differant, but thats why you’d choose the Abrams in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/5 "2011-11-30T18:26:57Z")
If IFVs work (probably not), then the South African Ratel IFV, because honey badger don’t care, he don’t take crap from no one. While I don’t generally trust British vehicles on the road, I’ll go with their tank. Being knocked out isn’t a criterion as I doubt the Type 10 will ever seen combat soon, let alone been destroyed in battle, whereas some other countries use their tanks more often. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/6 "2011-11-30T19:07:19Z")
Well, I certainly have no detailed knowledge of any of these things, but on paper the Leopard 2 looks a good choice. Same main weapon as the Abrams, better (supposedly) armor protection while being bit lighter, and diesel, rather than turbine-powered, for reliability and wider availability of fuel. Of course, without knowing the specific conditions of battle, who you’re fighting with and against, it’s a crapshoot. ---
**Author:** ![lazybratsche](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@lazybratsche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazybratsche)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/7 "2011-11-30T19:45:36Z")
My first instinct is to go with the Merkava. It’s designed for better survivability, particularly for the crew. Also, it’s versatile, with a mortar for indirect fire and the ability to carry a small squad of infantrymen. Which is all the more important in the _aftermath_ of WW3, which I assume will very quickly devolve into some Mad Max/Tankgirl type shit. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/8 "2011-11-30T20:13:48Z")
Go Navy! Can I haz a submarine? I have a liking for 688Is since that is the last type mrAru was on. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/9 "2011-11-30T23:42:07Z")
Cobra H.I.S.S. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![mac\_bolan00](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b3f665/32.png) [@mac\_bolan00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mac_bolan00)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/10 "2011-12-01T00:14:11Z")
the t-95 with a 152mm gun. i’d like that. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/11 "2011-12-01T01:37:25Z")
When the shit hits the fan, go with what you know. Abrams all the way. Besides, no other tank in the world sounds [_this_](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXE4tMEYCoI&feature=related) cool starting up. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/12 "2011-12-01T02:18:42Z")
T-90. Cheaper / easier to manufacture than the M1A2, and it has better range. ---
**Author:** ![BowlOfDucks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/2bfe46/32.png) [@BowlOfDucks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BowlOfDucks)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/13 "2011-12-01T03:33:23Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > T-90. Cheaper / easier to manufacture than the M1A2, and it has better range. Ah yes. I know if I was going into a war situation, I’d like to know that although my tank may be less armoured, have a weaker armament and poorer sensors than the enemy, that at least it could drive a long distance and was cheap. Leopard II ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/14 "2011-12-01T04:31:40Z")
> [@BowlOfDucks](#): > > Ah yes. I know if I was going into a war situation, I’d like to know that although my tank may be less armoured, have a weaker armament and poorer sensors than the enemy, that at least it could drive a long distance and was cheap. > > Leopard II Depends on if I’m the tanker or the general. ---
**Author:** ![Consensus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@Consensus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Consensus)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/15 "2011-12-01T05:10:42Z")
Why can’t we hire Will Smith to try and steal one of theirs? Because that would be my choice, I want the commie-nazi spacealien tank… with brainwashing capabilities. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/16 "2011-12-01T05:32:21Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > Depends on if I’m the tanker or the general. Well, the OP said you’d be a tank commander. A tanker. A tread-head. A DAT. You’re not Rommel, and this isn’t some intricate strategic simulation computer game; the strategic implications of your decision are, by inference of the OP, _way_ beyond your pay-grade. You don’t have to worry about cost. You don’t have to worry about logistics. You just have to tend to your crew, and Kill. The. Enemy. You’re going to war. _ **WAR!** _ Pick a tank. It’s the tank you will ride into battle in, with which to do battle with invading Commie-Nazi Space Aliens. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/17 "2011-12-01T05:45:40Z")
> [@ExTank](#): > > Well, the OP said you’d be a tank commander. A tanker. A tread-head. A DAT. > > You’re not Rommel, and this isn’t some intricate strategic simulation computer game; the strategic implications of your decision are, by inference of the OP, _way_ beyond your pay-grade. > > You don’t have to worry about cost. > > You don’t have to worry about logistics. > > You just have to tend to your crew, and Kill. The. Enemy. > > You’re going to war. _ **WAR!** _ Pick a tank. It’s the tank you will ride into battle in, with which to do battle with invading Commie-Nazi Space Aliens. Fine. M1A2. But I feel like a sellout. I yearned for a tank with more indie cred. ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/18 "2011-12-01T05:50:42Z")
I’ll go with the Merkava, the most badass ambulance around. > [@ExTank](#): > > Besides, no other tank in the world sounds [_this_](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXE4tMEYCoI&feature=related) cool starting up. Listening to that, I spontaneously broke into a massive grin. Thanks. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![SunSandSuffering](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@SunSandSuffering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunSandSuffering)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/19 "2011-12-01T15:35:22Z")
Gotta be a Challenger2 - you can convert it into a Trojan and pretend you are riding a dinosaur: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/a2MSpDdsx58/hqdefault.jpg "Trojan AVRE.MOV") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2MSpDdsx58) ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2011, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570/20 "2011-12-01T20:52:13Z")
> [@Grumman](#): > > I’ll go with the Merkava, the most badass ambulance around. > Listening to that, I spontaneously broke into a massive grin. Thanks. 😃 No Prob. Do you know the difference between a Hoover Vaccum Cleaner and an M-1 Abrams? The Abrams comes with 4 dirt-bags. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570.md?page=2)