Panzer IV,Sherman, T34
Good topic Freiwillige but first you have to define which models of the 3 tanks do you wish to include in the comparison? The T34/76 and T34/85 models? All versions of the Sherman? All versions of the Panzer IV(up to Ausf. J)?
If yes then the T34/85 had the advantage over the other 2 in termsof armour protection because of thicker, sloped armour and much faster speed than the other 2 not to mention better cross-country traction thanks to its wide tracks.
Gun-wise I think all 3 guns are fairly well matched, the 75 mm L48 of the late Panzer IV is equal to the 85 mm C53 of the T34/76 and much superior to the 76 mm variant of the T34/76.The 76 mm of the Sherman is slightly inferior but not thta much.
The Panzer Iv had the edge over the T34s in the optics and ergonomics.While the Sherman also had better optics and ergonomics than the T34s.
The T34/76 was severely handicapped by its small turreet which forced the command er to act as loader and gave terrible visibility.The Optics were awful and reliability was also questionable because of the poor qulity filters they were using.
The Panzer IV and Sherman were vey reliable. However the Panzer IV did not have strong armour even though the late versions had more frontal protection and the Sherman while offerign better protection had the reputation(not sure if not exaggerated ) of being prone to catching fire easily after taking hits.
1) T34/85
2) Panzer IV but only ausf. G,H,J
3)Sherman
4)Panzer IV ausf. F2
5)T34/76 all versions incl 1942 Mickey Mouse Turret
6)Panzer IV F1
The difference between the Panzer IV G,H and J and the Sherman would not be great but I would give a slight edge to the PZ IV.Likewise the T34/85 is ahead of the other 2 but not by a huge margin.
Cheers
|