[Paleo Conservative]

The M1 tank has its main gun loaded by hand, while T-72s have their main gun loaded by an (often unreliable) automatic loader.

Even if they T-72 is capable of firing rounds faster than the M1-A1, it doesn't matter. The M1-A1 can kill targets from longer ranges and reliably kills its target with its first shot.

[Rockpile]

"Even if they T-72 is capable of firing rounds faster than the M1-A1, it doesn't matter. The M1-A1 can kill targets from longer ranges and reliably kills its target with its first shot."

They went for a crew of three in order to man more vehicles. For instance with 600 tankers you could field 200 T72s vis-a-vis 150 with a four man crew.

Problem is that a four man crew is just plain better.