What is the maximum speed of a tank?
3 Answers
The maximum speed of a tank is 180KM/H, while the legal maximum speed limit is 120KM/H. Maximum speed: Refers to the maximum driving speed that a vehicle can achieve under windless conditions on a level, good-quality asphalt or concrete road surface. The maximum speed mentioned here is data provided by the manufacturer, for reference only, and does not represent PCauto's actual measured data. Testing method for maximum speed: The last 500 meters of a 1.6-kilometer test section are used as the testing area for maximum speed, with four round trips conducted to obtain an average value. The maximum speed differs from the theoretical maximum speed (which refers to the best performance achieved by the engine under optimal conditions, limited to theory). For some high-performance vehicles, manufacturers often limit the vehicle's maximum speed through technical means (such as electronic speed limit functions) to protect the engine or comply with traffic regulations. For example, the Mercedes S600, when the electronic speed limit is removed, can exceed the restricted 250km/h and reach 300km/h or even higher.
The maximum speed of tanks indeed varies by model. From what I know, modern mainstream tanks like the U.S. M1 Abrams can reach around 67 kilometers per hour, equivalent to approximately 42 miles per hour, which is considered fast. However, older World War II-era tanks like the Sherman tank only managed speeds of just over 30 kilometers per hour, showing a significant gap. The primary reason tanks aren't faster is their immense weight, averaging over 50 tons, and even powerful engines are limited by the track system and terrain. Off-road, their speed drops by half, reaching near maximum only on flat roads. Having studied military equipment for years, I can say tank design prioritizes firepower and protection over speed. Manufacturers focus on off-road stability and durability—acceleration and turns must be handled carefully to prevent rollovers. Other factors like high fuel consumption also limit speed; during long-distance exercises, frequent refueling is necessary. On average, tank speeds range between 30 to 70 kilometers per hour, but in reality, compared to a typical car's 120 kilometers per hour, it's a completely different world—safety always comes first.
Speaking of tank speeds, I recall some details: modern models like the German Leopard 2 can reach up to about 72 km/h, while older Soviet T-34s could only manage around 35 km/h. Weight is a key factor—tanks weighing over 60 tons have powerful engines, but the horsepower is used to push heavy loads, unlike the agility of sports cars. From books and documentaries, I’ve learned that during WWII, slower tank speeds were practical for shock absorption and crew protection. Nowadays, technological advancements have slightly improved speeds, but limitations remain. Terrain has a huge impact—gravel or muddy roads slow them down, and only on asphalt can they reach higher speeds. Engine maintenance is also complex, as oil buildup can reduce performance. Compared to cars, a tank’s top speed is akin to a slow truck, with overall design prioritizing survivability over speed.
