>>3687057For all intents and purposes tanks are far better than any mecha-type machine could be, mainly because a mecha couldn't function properly on a battlefield.
Tanks have tracks for a myriad of reasons, but the main one by far is reducing ground pressure: having a low ground pressure is extremely important because otherwise your vehicle will bog down in mud or soft grounds. A Human of average size has, iirc, a ground pressure of about 0,8-1 Kg/m2, and most tanks have about the same, which mean that they can cross most surfaces without worries of bogging down. A mecha, however, would have far more difficulties crossing the same kind of terrain because the mere fact it has feet means that it has less surface to distribute its weight. Therefore, a mecha has to either have very large feet, which will hinder its maneuverability, or to be lightweight, which means it cannot pack a strong armament and lots of protection.
Another big problem is size: most tanks hover at around 3 meters in height which, while still being farly high, is can still be camouflaged with relative ease. A Mecha would probably be much taller than that, and could be seen for farther away. It will also present an easier target to aim at. Sure, it could lie down for an ambush, but it couldn't move while crouching.
So all in all, a tank is still superior, which is why you don't see modern armies developing mecha-like weapons.
