7. Challenger (UK)

First produced in 1982. Top speed: 37 mph. Range: 340 miles. The Condor V-12 engine gives Challenger a power-to-weight ratio of 19.2 horsepower per ton. Armor thickness: classified. Primary armament: 120-mm rifled gun.

The Challenger scores very good marks for its world-class armor, and the maximum on firepower — the rifled 120-mm gun is a record-breaker. Marks are down for mobility, and further down for production. This tank gets a low average for fear factor: it’s an impressive machine, but there aren’t enough of them to make an enemy truly fearful.