I'm sure most everyone knows that the trump card is "range" correct? I think it is better to know where NOT to hit a tank vs where to try and squeeze in a round.
Usually, the turret front/mantlet is the most armored along with the front/top front of the tank. Against some tanks it is usually suicide to stand and fight unless the ranges are less than 800 yards, and even then you'd better have the right gun or ammo.
Also, I'd be willing to bet that HTC does not have much difference in a continous armor piece (as in the full side of the T34). The issue is going to be what is on the other side of that armor that causes the tank to be destroyed.