Comparing: StuG IV vs. SU-85

In February 1943, at the suggestion of the Ministry of Armament, the Krupp company began trials of a new vehicle with the superstructure of the updated StuG III and the new suspension of the Pz.Kpfw. IV H and J. The first vehicles were produced by December 1943. Having canceled the production of the Pz. IV, the Krupp company focused their attention on the production of the new vehicles starting in January 1944. A total of 1,108 vehicles were manufactured, with 31 more converted from existing tanks.

Developed on the basis of the T-34 medium tank and the SU-122 assault gun. Produced from August 1943 through July 1944. The 85-mm D-5S gun allowed the SU-85 to effectively hit enemy medium tanks at distances of more than 1,000 meters and to penetrate the front armor of heavy tanks at shorter distances.