Hey TreadHead
Yes it was not a too popular subject when folks found out. You could actually see the difference in the original M1 vs 60A3. They have upgraded the M1 Thermal but it wasn't updated in 89 as far as I know.. The point would hold true with equivalent optics as you know the 105 Rifled sabot is just a darn accurate round but even if only equivalent I would not want to be downrange and live on the difference.. The M1 could probably take a 105 sabot to direct front (I would not want to aboard) but on the sides I don't think so and properly deployed in the defense the M60's would have many opportunities for flanking shots against a company of M1's in the assault. That would be one on one two or three on one... I don't think the M1s would prevail..More crews would survive but I think the losses would be staggering and unsustainable. Considering that you can buy 5 M60A3 Up-Armored from Greece for the price of an M1...My original premises that technological differences are sleight and ephemeral, that numbers and quality are needed not either or still stands..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patton_tank
The M60A3 was phased out of service in the early 1990s, but it remained a front-line MBT into the 21st century for a number of countries.
While overall a less effective tank than the M1 Abrams, the M60A3 did have some advantages over M1 models:
The M60A3 had a notably better passive infrared scope than that of M1 up into the 21st century, until many M1 had newer ones installed.
How can Mech Armor tell they just ran over a group of operators?
By the number of wires in their Treads
W