Is it China's best tank? How does it compare to the Type 99A?
1. Ergonomics: VT-4 is better than Type-99A.
2. Electronic system: VT-4 is more modern than Type-99A. I think if China updated Type99A, the two tanks would be similar, but the current system of the Type-99A are enough, they don't need to upgrade.
3. APS and automatic guns: VT-4 is equipped (if customers need and pay extra). Type-99A not equipped (Chinese tank doctrine)
4. Front armor: Type-99A has thicker front armor than VT-4
5. Armor-piercing bullets: Type-99A is designed for tank-to-tank combat so it is equipped with powerful armor-piercing bullets.
6. Speed and maneuverability: Type-99A has a stronger engine, but its weight is also large VT-4, so the speed and maneuverability of the two vehicles are not much different.
I agree with 1 and 2. Type 99A is due for an upgrade and it will be getting the electrical and C4I upgrades that VT-4P has. The regular VT-4 is comparable to 99A, but VT-4P is upgraded in this regard.
As for point 3, Type 99 and 99A all have APS, but 99A doesn’t have a hard kill APS like VT-4s Optional GL-5 APS (The normal 99 did). VT-4s Hard kill APS however would be superior to what the Type 99 has, and it’s true that Chinese tanks don’t use Remote weapon systems as per doctrine (makes little sense to be fair…)
I agree with point 4, 99A has thicker armor all around than VT-4, it’s a heavier and bigger tank, however VT-4P with its FY4 ERA and roof coverage does have better protection than standard VT-4P. Another major advantage in this regard is the design of the Type 99 and 99A, it’s basic design is much better than VT-4P in regards to lower front plate and frontal arc.
For Point 5, Yes, type 99A specifically gets new Chinese APFSDS which has better performance than BTA-4, this is also because it has a bigger gun that can Accommodate that round. VT-4P should easily be able to fire better ammunition too but given Pakistans adversary’s armor, it isn’t needed. BTA-4 is more than enough.
For point 6, 99A has a stronger engine than Basic VT-4, Pakistani VT-4P has the same 1500HP engine as Type 99A, hence is more maneuverable than 99A owing to its lighter weight (keep in mind 99A itself is very quick).
For an overall Comparison, I’d say Type 99A is much better than a basic VT-4 but just falls slightly short of a VT4P. but that’s only because the 99A itself is getting old, I’m sure the next iteration of it will add all the things it’s missing and owing to its size (increased armor) and larger gun it will again easily surpass the VT-4P.
That being said, they are both very good tanks for different purposes and doctrines, they both have their strengths and weaknesses, in their specific roles one is not better than the other.