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Boeing 737-200 vs. Airbus A320-200

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737-200

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A320-200

Price (USD)
$5 Million$101 Million
First Flight
19671987
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
30 m100 ft
37 m123 ft
Wingspan
28 m93 ft
35 m117 ft
Wing Area
102 m²1,097 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
11 m36 ft
11 m38 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
58,100 kg128,089 lbs
78,000 kg171,961 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney JT8DCMFI CFM56 / IAE V2500
Max Thrust Per Engine
73 kN16,400 lbf
120 kN27,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
146 kN32,800 lbf
240 kN54,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
22,600 l5,970 gal
27,200 l7,185 gal
Range
4,260 km2,300 nm
6,200 km3,348 nm
Cruise Speed
796 km/h495 mph
840 km/h522 mph
Typical Seating
112 pax170 pax
Max Seating
136 pax180 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737-200 and Airbus A320-200

Boeing 737-200 vs Airbus A320-200 Size Comparison

  • At 37.60 meters, the Airbus A320-200 is 7.10 meters longer than the Boeing 737-200.
  • With a wingspan of 35.80 meters, the Airbus A320-200 is 7.40 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737-200 and Airbus A320-200 have heights of 11.20 meters and 11.80 meters respectively - making the Airbus A320-200 0.60 meters taller.

Boeing 737-200 vs Airbus A320-200 Range

  • Airbus A320-200’s range of 6,200 kilometers is greater than Boeing 737-200’s range of 4,260 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A320-200 can fly nonstop approximately 1,940 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A320-200 can hold 7,185 gallons of fuel, which is 1,215 gallons more than the Boeing 737-200’s tank capacity of 5,970 gallons.

Boeing 737-200 vs Airbus A320-200 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A320-200 can accommodate 170 passengers, which is about 58 passengers more than Boeing 737-200’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A320-200’s max seating capacity is 180 passengers, compared to 136 passengers of the Boeing 737-200.

About the Boeing 737-200

The Boeing 737-200 is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner renowned for its role in shaping the short to medium-haul market. Developed in the late 1960s, the 737-200 extended the capabilities of the original 737-100, offering airlines a versatile and reliable option for their domestic and regional networks.

Measuring 100.2 feet (30.5 meters) in length and with a wingspan of 93.0 feet (28.4 meters), the Boeing 737-200 was designed to operate efficiently in a variety of airport environments, including those with shorter runways. It typically accommodates 112 passengers, providing a balance between capacity and comfort, which made it popular among airlines for its operational flexibility. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines, the 737-200 delivers a total thrust of 32,800 lbf (146.0 kN). The aircraft's fuel capacity of 5,970 US gallons (22,600 liters) supports a range of 2,300 nautical miles (4,260 kilometers), making it suitable for a range of short to medium-haul routes. The 737-200's cruise speed of 495 mph (796 km/h) contributed to reducing travel times compared to older generation aircraft, enhancing the efficiency of air travel.

In its time, the Boeing 737-200 competed with aircraft like the Douglas DC-9, offering airlines an alternative in the growing market for jet-powered short-haul travel. Its introduction was a key moment in Boeing's history, solidifying the company's position as a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners. The 737-200 saw widespread use among airlines globally, including carriers such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air Canada. Its operational role was significant in expanding airline routes and increasing the frequency of flights, contributing to the growth of the airline industry and making air travel more accessible.

While the production of the Boeing 737-200 has long ceased, its legacy in the aviation industry remains impactful. The aircraft's development marked an era of transition and innovation in commercial aviation, paving the way for future advancements in aircraft technology and design. US-based airlines ceased operations with the -200 back in 2008. In 2023, a handful of international carriers still operated the variant for commercial flights.

About the Airbus A320-200

The Airbus A320-200 is a narrow-body, twin-engine aircraft, primarily employed for short to medium-haul flights. Introduced in the late 1980s, this model was designed with an emphasis on increased fuel capacity and range.

With dimensions of 123.3 feet (37.6 meters) in length and a wingspan of 111.9 feet (34.1 meters), the A320-200 is configured typically to accommodate 150 to 180 passengers in a standard two-class layout. This seating capacity enables the aircraft to efficiently serve both high-density and lower-demand routes. The A320-200 incorporates fly-by-wire technology, a notable feature in commercial aviation at the time of its introduction, replacing traditional manual flight controls with an electronic interface. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics and an electronic flight instrument system in the cockpit, reflecting the technological standards of the era. Powered by CFM56 or IAE V2500 engines, the -200 variant is designed for a balance of thrust and fuel efficiency. It has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 170,000 lbs and a range of about 3,300 nautical miles, dependent on load and configuration.

Several airlines have incorporated the Airbus A320-200 into their fleets, utilizing it for a variety of operational needs. Prominent operators include Lufthansa, British Airways, and AirAsia. These carriers have employed the jetliner for its ability to efficiently handle both short domestic services and longer intercontinental routes. As a key variant in the A320 family, the Airbus A320-200 has contributed to Airbus's presence in the narrow-body aircraft market. Its use by various airlines demonstrates its functionality across different types of commercial aviation operations.

Today, the Airbus A320-200 continues to be an operational part of numerous airline fleets, fulfilling its intended roles across various route networks. While no longer in production, it is succeeded by the newer A320neo.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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