From what I understand, Ivan liked the Sherman. They were much more comfortable than Soviet designs and very reliable.
The Russian tanks required a left handed midget to operate efficiently.
Shifting into road gear was accomplished via a sledge hammer...
The Sherman was a good tank but not in the same league as the T-34 or the Mark V or the Mark VI. Excellent roadability, reliable engine, drivetrain, tracks - but tall profile, low powered main gun, burned like a torch when hit.
They thought the M4A2 Chrysler radial engine, 5 six-cylinder automobile cylinder blocks on a common crankshaft was *reliable!* With the plumber's nightmare of fuel lines and carbaroters, not to mention ignition wiring and timing. And yet, for them, it worked.
The *emcha*, so called because of the appearance of the M and 4 to the Cyrillic M-Ч, Cha or Che, depending on regional accent was actually favored by some, though its higher center of gravity made it a danger on a road march and an easier target than the more common T34. 4000 of the things ran for the Red Army. It's interesting to see what a Russian tankisti thought of them.