I own both the M1A1 and M1A1 and yes, they are very toy-like because of the motorization issue. The whole lower hull has a pregnant look to it to accommodate the motor. I still suggest the Revell Abrams, but the Dragon Abrams can be used to update the Revell kit to a post Desert Storm model.
I built the Elefant and it was definitely not designed to be motorized. The track is pretty bad and I would tell you to try the new Trumpeter Elefant instead of the Dragon Elefant. My friend built the Dragon Ferdinand at the same time and it is virtually the same as the Elefant kit, just a slight addition/deletion of some detail parts. He had the same problem with the tracks. They are just too long.
My daughter got the Dragon Panther G. It too was not made for motorization. It includes a diecast upper and lower hull with a plastic insert for the engine and back deck area. I was building the PIOModels Bergepanther (based on the Revell Panther A/D) and I think the Revell Panther is a superior model kit than the Dragon kit, but since I am not a German armor expert, I do not know which one is more accurate. I do think the diecast hull (comes pre-primed) would be more difficult to add zimmerit than the plastic hull of the Revell kit.
hope this helps