# 5 Tanks That Outpace the M1 Abrams in Speed From light reconnaissance to modern MBTs, these armored vehicles exceed the Abrams' 45 mph limit. - **Source:** [SlashGear](https://www.slashgear.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-22 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3d821994-2c5b-4233-b2d6-be7368df2f58 ## Abrams' speed benchmark The M1 Abrams sets a high bar with its 1,500hp Honeywell turbine engine enabling 45 mph speeds, a remarkable feat for its 62-73 ton weight. This performance stems from decades of evolution since its 1980 debut, including Desert Storm combat upgrades. However, lighter or specialized designs achieve greater mobility through different engineering approaches. The Abrams remains dominant in protection and firepower, but speed requires tradeoffs other vehicles exploit. ## Argentina's versatile TAM At 30.5 tons, Argentina's TAM medium tank uses a 720hp diesel engine to reach 46.6 mph, outperforming the Abrams despite lower power. Its modular design spawned seven variants since 1979, including IFVs and artillery. The lightweight chassis allows air transportability, a key requirement for Argentina's military doctrine. With 280 units produced, it demonstrates how specialized roles can prioritize speed over brute force. ## China's hybrid Type 100 China's 35-40 ton Type 100 combines diesel and electric propulsion for an estimated 50 mph, reflecting doctrinal shifts toward lighter MBTs. AI-enhanced systems reduce crew to three while AR goggles improve situational awareness. Based on T-72 chassis but with modern automation, it represents fourth-generation tank thinking where energy efficiency complements mobility without sacrificing tech. ## Scorpion's record speed Britain's 7.8-ton FV101 Scorpion light tank held the speed record at 51.1 mph using a Jaguar gasoline engine, later upgraded with diesel. Aluminum armor kept weight minimal for airborne deployment, proven during the Falklands War. While no longer frontline UK equipment, over 3,000 units serve globally, showing reconnaissance vehicles can outpace heavies through extreme weight reduction. ## Russia's enigmatic Armata The T-14 Armata's speculated 50-55 mph speed comes from its 48-55 ton weight and 1,500hp engine, though Russia releases few technical details. Its angular design suggests advanced systems, but limited deployment in Ukraine leaves capabilities unproven. As the lightest modern MBT, it demonstrates Russia's focus on mobility without confirming performance claims. ## Hellcat's unmatched legacy WWII's 16.76-ton M18 Hellcat tank destroyer remains history's fastest at 60 mph, thanks to a 400hp radial engine shared with Sherman tanks. Designed for rapid flanking attacks, its success in two wars proved speed's tactical value before MBT standardization. The classification debate doesn't diminish its engineering achievement in armored mobility. ## Doctrinal tradeoffs Speed requires sacrificing protection or firepower - the Abrams' dominance shows most armies prioritize survivability. Light tanks like Scorpion excel in reconnaissance but lack main gun power. Medium designs like TAM balance roles through modularity. Hybrid systems in Type 100 point to future solutions, but no platform combines all advantages yet. ## Future mobility trends Emerging technologies like hybrid propulsion and AI crew reduction may close speed gaps without compromising protection. The Abrams' turbine could evolve with electric assists, while materials science enables lighter armor. As threats diversify, militaries will demand multi-role platforms combining the Hellcat's speed with modern survivability - a challenge for next-gen designers. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.slashgear.com/2260514/tanks-quicker-than-m1-abrams/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._