In motorsport, they say that engine power sells cars, but races are won by torque. However, armored vehicles operate on a different principle. Nominal "horsepower" matters, but real mobility, acceleration, and the ability to quickly change position depend on the power-to-weight ratio.
This key parameter is called specific power. The standard unit is hp/t. Therefore, a heavy tank with a more powerful engine may be inferior in dynamics to a vehicle with a better weight balance. History confirms this: the Soviet BT-7M with the V-2 diesel engine during the war showed a record 34.13 hp/t and surpassed its competitors in mobility.
And what do the figures of modern mass-produced armored vehicles look like? Without prospective platforms — only equipment in service.
5th place — M1A2 SEP V3 Abrams (USA)
Maximum speed — 67 km/h. Range — 430 km. Armament — 120 mm smoothbore gun, machine guns 7.62 and 12.7 mm.
Rounding out the top five is one of the most modern versions of the Abrams, adopted in the mid- 2010s. The vehicle received enhanced armor protection, updated electronics, and new fire control systems.
However, the modernization increased the weight to 66.8 t. The gas turbine engine retained 1,500 hp, so the specific power amounted to 22.45 hp/t. Despite the engine, the considerable weight limits its dynamics.
4th place — Leopard 2A7V (Germany)
Maximum speed — 63 km/h. Range — 340 km. Armament — 120 mm gun, machine guns 7.62 mm.
The 2A7V version became the best-protected modification of the Leopard. The tank received reinforced hull and turret armor, updated sights, and communication systems. The vehicle's weight grew to 66.5 t. The MTU diesel engine develops 1,500 hp.
The resulting specific power is 22.57 hp/t. The figure almost matches that of the American competitor — the capabilities of NATO's two main tanks are close.
3rd place — T-90MS "Proryv" (Russia)
Maximum speed — 70 km/h. Range — 500 km. Armament — 125 mm gun, machine guns 7.62 and 12.7 mm.
The export version of the deep modernization of the T-90 received a new turret, a digital fire control system, and enhanced protection. The main advantage is the lower weight. The tank weighs 48 t. The V-92S2F diesel develops 1,130 hp.
Although the absolute power is lower, the specific power is higher than that of Western vehicles — 23.54 hp/t. The lighter platform provides better dynamics and mobility.
2nd place — T-80BVM (Russia)
Maximum speed — 80 km/h. Range — 440 km. Armament — 125 mm gun, machine guns 7.62 and 12.7 mm.
The modernized version of the T-80 received updated armor protection, sighting systems, and a powerplant. The vehicle's weight is 46 t. The gas turbine engine rated at 1,250 hp provides a specific power of 27.17 hp/t.
High dynamics, rapid acceleration, and smooth ride made the T-80BVM one of the most mobile heavy vehicles. For this, the tank is called "flying".
1st place — BMD-4M (Russia)
Maximum speed — more than 70 km/h. Range — 500 km. Armament — 30 mm automatic cannon, 100 mm gun-launcher, 7.62 mm machine gun.
The airborne combat vehicle was created under strict requirements for weight and transportability. Weight — only 13.6 t. In the engine-transmission compartment, a multi-fuel UTD-29 diesel rated at 500 hp is installed. Specific power — 36.74 hp/t.
Even with an additional protection kit that increases the weight to 15.8 t, the figure remains high — 31.65 hp/t. This is significantly higher than that of most modern IFVs and Western platforms.
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