Aples with aples
Since we don't have APC versions we can use to asses the merits of wheels, tracks and halftracks, let's use what we have. There is a tank hunter of each type, with the same weapon and in the same weight class. So let's take a look at the SdKfz 251/22, the SdKfz 234/4 and the Marder III ausf M. The only thing the SdKfz has going for it is compability with the rest of the vehicles in the PzG regiment. I maintain that an whole family of vehicles could have been built, based either on the earlier 231 8x8 chassis or on the cheap and reliable Pz 38(t) chassis, and I would need to see some very convincing hard data to make me believe that for the same role, a 251 would be cheaper than a 38(t).
The 234/4 has way more speed, three times the range, and probably better all around off road capability than the 251/22.
Regarding tractors, only the german relied on half-tracks for towing stuff. The US, the other major half track user, used both fully tracked and wheeled tractors, discarding the halftracks for logistic roles and artillery roles.