The positive points of the leopard 2 are: - it is built by German and thus highly reliable - there has existed for 20 years and does not have youth problems - it is more rustic than the leclerc and thus less dependant electronics - he has a roller moreover what allows a better flexibility in any ground - the lasts versions have a system of rallying allowing him effective Hunter Killer - German are very strong of tactical use.
I have use a little T72 in Bulgaria at the time of a exercise and it is not comparable with a tank of Western design. It was old T72 but who allowed me to see the difference . Its only positive point is its very low . On the other hand the system of loading uses enormous chains which is faster to cut an arm than to load a shell. There is no optronic, there is not very powerful laser, the comfort of the crew is reduct, the system radio operator obsolete on certain versions (command with the flags sometimes). site of the shells under the turret is also a very bad choice. At the time of these exercises, we had a demonstration of shooting of a missile has through the maingun. That seems positive but in reality time to configure the gun before and after the shooting is very significant. We were unable to touch a target in static position at 1500 M . I think sincerely that the Russian machines must use of optronic Western to be powerful.
The leclerc is a tank very recent( 1996 for the first). The architecture of the machine is based on a data-processing BUS. We almost do not have connections mecanic between the various elements of the tank (for example not of cable between the engine and the pedale of acceleration). We are dependant electronics what so we have problems of reliability. On the other hand all is extremely fast. The engine uses a turbine which, contrary has a turbo delivre immediately all the power (it is much more veloce that a leo 2 ). The system of loading is very effective and allows 6 blows minute in does not import the position of the tank (it is impossible for a loader to do the same thing when the tank is in a bad ground) the shooting while rolling functions well in all configurations including turret 6 H and until A 30.40 kmh. On the other hand we have big problems of budget and the leclerc is very dear to maintain. the shielding remains unknown for us but i think only before tank resite has a ammunition has high velocite. in conclusion, i think that the technology of the leclerc is not yet rather reliable and that only a country with lot of money can buy it . The leopard À5 and A6 are very good compromises. It does not remain about it less than it is the quality of the crew which amene more