The comet is the closest analog to the panther in terms of cost and stats.
No, Nothing is closest to panther, because there is no other unit like panther made to do what panther does.
Closest thing analog to comet is pershing from units above and EZ8 or 34/85 from units below.
Panther never was in any world equivalent to comet, because it has completely different role.
Are you disagreeing with me just to disagree? The only thing comparable between the panther and the firefly is their penetration and main gun aoe. In literally every other category, the panther is FAR closer to the comet than the firefly.
I'm disagreeing with you, because you are completely wrong trying to compare 2 vehicles with completely different roles just because they have similar cost and timing.
You are literally comparing T-70 to Puma of higher tier.
But for the sake of argument let's use their playstyles. The panther is a tank hunter, using its speed range and durability to bully and chase enemy vehicles down. So between the comet and the firefly, which is better at performing in a similar role? Its not the firefly is it. In fact, point to an allied vehicle that can do it better than the comet.
Read the above, it applies equally here.
You refuse to acknowledge the fact that comet IS a panther level unit, but it is a GENERALIST one, trading range and AT power for AI power, just like any other generalist does compared to specialist.
Comet vs panther is the exact same thing as T-70 vs Puma or ISU vs Elephant.
If you don't get that by now, you're too dense for it.