T-55 vs T-62: how to tell them apart

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

T-55

Main battle tank, Soviet Union. In service since 1958

What gives it away

Small, low hull with five road wheels and a clear gap between the first and second, dome-shaped turret and a 100 mm gun with a fume extractor at the muzzle end.

Used by

Dozens of countries; Russia took stored T-55s to Ukraine in 2023

T-62

Main battle tank, Soviet Union. In service since 1961

What gives it away

Like a stretched T-55: five road wheels with larger gaps toward the rear, egg-shaped turret and a 115 mm smoothbore with a fume extractor midway along the barrel.

Used by

Russia, Syria, North Korea and others

T-55 · T-62 · All guides