C1 Ariete vs Leopard 2A4: how to tell them apart

Two main battle tanks that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

C1 Ariete

Main battle tank, Italy. In service since 1995

What gives it away

Seven road wheels and a long, boxy turret with vertical sides and a big rear bustle; looks like a squared-off Leopard 2A4.

Used by

Italy

Leopard 2A4

Main battle tank, Germany. In service since 1985

What gives it away

Seven road wheels, flat vertical turret front without the wedge armour of later versions, L44 120 mm gun.

Used by

Poland, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Finland, Canada, Ukraine

C1 Ariete · Leopard 2A4 · All guides