The Panther was one of the most effective tanks of WWII, serving alongside the Panzer IV and Tiger. It had excellent frontal armour although its side armour was weaker and was susceptible to flanking fire. Cheaper to build than the Tiger, due in the main to simplified armour, transmission and final drive, the Panther was still a heavy tank ( 44.8 ) Tonnes and benefitted from a very high power to weight ratio making it a formidable force on the battlefield.