Skill beats quality, debrody. T-34's in 1941 still got their arses handed to them because they were incredibly stupid with their tanks, and because they were undercrewed.
True, what you think why the first offense over the Ostfront was that much successful for the Germans? Couse they were experienced and led by highly superior commanders, while the whole Soviet leadership was executed by Stalin between 1937-39. Still, technically speaking, the T34 was the worlds very best tank til the Panzer4F2 came out.
T-34 kept its edge for less than a year, the Tiger I, and Panther kept their edge for well over a year and a half, and 3 years respectivly.
Dont be dumb, bro, the Tiger was a super heavy tank in 1942 and only was produced in very small numbers (maybe like 1500 overall?? not sure)
Sure it kicked butt, but was based on a failed doctrine. Also compare the Tiger1 to the 1943 Soviet heavy tank design, the IS-2/1943, and you will see they are about equal. A one year advantage for the germans.
The Panther is an other tale, an 1942 design what arrived to the fronts in 1943. That was an awsome medium/heavy tank and highly superior to any T34. Still, keep in mind, the T34 was designed in 1940.
And saying the T-34/85 is superior to the Panzer IV H is only true if you look at it from a maintinance and production standpoint as well. Its gun is inferior (without HVAP at close range, and at long range regardless of amunition), hull armor at LOS thickness is also inferior. Purely tank vs tank, the T-34/85 is only better in turret armor and manuverability.
Panzer4H: turret front 50mm, hull front 80mm straight vertical. Its gun had 136-115-98mm penetration at 0-1-2K yards (almost equal to kilometers)
T34/85: Turret front: 90mm, hull front 47mm sloped at like 55 degrees (!) The gun had 180-120-94mm penetration using the appropiate rounds, 120-104-94mm using standard AP.
Where are we going bro? Closer than 1.5K they both could kill each other with one, at most two pings. From 2K they are about equal, mostly the aiming skill of the crew and the optics decide the fight.
Show me any documents about WW2 tanks shooting each other over 3K. Also the T34 is much faster than the Panzer4, much more suitable for offensive operations, also can knock out a Tiger from 700m with one ping.
Personally i stil would chose the panzer4, but its only my sillyness.