Like the BTR70, the LAV25 is currently the only “pseudo IFV” in REFORGER Vanilla.

The BTR and the LAV 25 are NOT COMPARABLE. The LAV25 (1983) is significantly more modern and of higher quality than the BTR70 (1972).

BTR70 comment: Poor firing angle -5 +30, gasoline engine, dangerous hatches, weak armor and armament.


WE ASKED THE INTERNET, AND THESE WERE THE ANSWERS:


Firepower :The LAV-25 with its 25 mm cannon has a clear advantage over the 14.5 mm machine gun on the BTR-70. Larger calibers mean better armor penetration and greater effectiveness against armored targets. Therefore: LAV-25 wins here.

Mobility & Range : Both vehicles are 8×8 wheeled vehicles with amphibious capabilities. The LAV-25 achieves higher road speeds and has a greater range (660 km) than the BTR-70 (~400-600 km). In difficult terrain, the older technology of the BTR-70 could be at a disadvantage. So the LAV-25 also has a slight advantage here.

Protection/survivability : Both have only light protection (“soft target protection”) – both are vulnerable to anti-tank weapons, RPGs, or modern armor. However, with additional armor, the LAV-25 has a better level of protection than the BTR-70 in its original state.
So: LAV-25 has the advantage, but no comprehensive protection.

Technological age : The BTR-70 is an older design from the 1970s. The LAV-25 is more modern and has undergone continuous development. Advantage: LAV-25.

Troop transport and flexibility : The BTR-70 transports more infantry (e.g., 7 passengers + crew) compared to the LAV-25, which transports fewer or a similar number. Nevertheless, thanks to its superior combination of mobility and firepower, the LAV-25 is the more flexible vehicle.