Airliner Comparison ToolCompare 60+ passenger aircraft models head to head!

Boeing 737-500 vs. Boeing 787-8

vs.
Compare

737-500

vs.

787-8

Price (USD)
$50 Million$224 Million
First Flight
19892009
Body Type
Narrow-bodyWide-body
Length
31 m101 ft
56 m186 ft
Wingspan
28 m94 ft
60 m197 ft
Wing Area
105 m²1,134 ft²
377 m²4,058 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
5 m18 ft
Height
11 m36 ft
16 m55 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
62,800 kg138,450 lbs
227,900 kg502,433 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56General Electric GEnx / Rolls-Royce Trent 1000
Max Thrust Per Engine
89 kN20,000 lbf
280 kN64,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
178 kN40,000 lbf
560 kN128,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
20,100 l5,310 gal
126,200 l33,339 gal
Range
4,400 km2,376 nm
13,620 km7,354 nm
Cruise Speed
796 km/h495 mph
903 km/h561 mph
Typical Seating
110 pax242 pax
Max Seating
145 pax381 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737-500 and Boeing 787-8

Boeing 737-500 vs Boeing 787-8 Size Comparison

  • At 56.70 meters, the Boeing 787-8 is 25.70 meters longer than the Boeing 737-500.
  • With a wingspan of 60.10 meters, the Boeing 787-8 is 31.30 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737-500 and Boeing 787-8 have heights of 11.10 meters and 16.90 meters respectively - making the Boeing 787-8 5.80 meters taller.

Boeing 737-500 vs Boeing 787-8 Range

  • Boeing 787-8’s range of 13,620 kilometers is greater than Boeing 737-500’s range of 4,400 kilometers. Therefore, the Boeing 787-8 can fly nonstop approximately 9,220 kilometers further.
  • The Boeing 787-8 can hold 33,339 gallons of fuel, which is 28,029 gallons more than the Boeing 737-500’s tank capacity of 5,310 gallons.

Boeing 737-500 vs Boeing 787-8 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 787-8 can accommodate 242 passengers, which is about 132 passengers more than Boeing 737-500’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 787-8’s max seating capacity is 381 passengers, compared to 145 passengers of the Boeing 737-500.

About the Boeing 737-500

The Boeing 737-500, introduced in 1987 as part of the 737 Classic series, is a narrow-body, twin-engine airliner designed for short to medium-haul routes. Recognized for its compact size and efficiency, the 737-500 catered to airlines needing a smaller capacity jet with the performance qualities of the larger 737 models.

At 101.7 feet (31.0 meters) in length and with a wingspan of 94.5 feet (28.8 meters), the 737-500 was adept at serving routes that required flexibility for airport size and range. This aircraft was particularly appealing to airlines for its ability to operate efficiently on shorter and less dense routes, providing a practical solution for smaller markets. While the -400 expanded on the -300, the -500 was actually constructed to considerably smaller than the -300. Comparatively, the 737-500 is closest in size and capacity to the 737-200. Powered by two CFM International CFM56-3C1 engines, the Boeing 737-500 has a total thrust capability of 40,000 lbf (178.0 kN). With a fuel capacity of 5,310 US gallons (20,100 liters), it boasts a range of 2,376 nautical miles (4,400 kilometers). The 737-500's cruise speed of 495 mph (796 km/h) contributed to its reputation as a reliable and efficient aircraft for regional travel.

In the commercial aviation landscape of its time, the Boeing 737-500 was a competitor to aircraft like the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series. Its introduction provided airlines with a versatile option in the 737 family, bridging the gap between the larger 737 models and the need for a more economical, smaller jet. Southwest Airlines was the first customer of the -500, making their first flight in 1989. Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Continental also operated the Boeing 737-500. The aircraft played a significant role in these fleets, enabling the expansion of domestic and regional networks.

The Boeing 737-500 has faced accelerated retirement due to its smaller size. A majority of models were out of service after just 21 years in service. Most freight companies didn't even have interest in turning the -500 into a cargo jet. The 737-500 was replaced by the 737-600 of the Next Generation series.

About the Boeing 787-8

The Boeing 787-8, as the first variant of the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner series, marked a new chapter in commercial aviation when it took to the skies in 2009. This modern wide-body twinjet made its introduction into commercial aviation in 2011 with All Nippon Airways. Since then, the entire Dreamliner family has been pivotal for efficient, point-to-point routes.

Spanning 56.7 meters (186.1 feet) in length with a wingspan of 60.1 meters (197.2 feet), the 787-8 is distinguished by its sleek and aerodynamic design. The aircraft boasts a wing area of 377.0 square meters (4058.0 square feet), which plays a critical role in its fuel-efficient performance. One of the most notable features of the 787-8 is its extensive use of composite materials, including carbon fiber reinforced polymer, accounting for a significant portion of its primary structure. This use of advanced materials results in a lighter airframe, leading to reductions in fuel consumption and operational costs, while also enhancing structural strength and durability. From the outside, 787s are discernible by their rounded noses, raked wingtips, and engine chevrons (serrated edges).

Equipped with either General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the 787-8 offers a total maximum thrust of 560.0 kN (128,000 lbf). These engines, combined with the aircraft's optimized aerodynamics, enable it to achieve a range of approximately 13,620 kilometers (7,354 nautical miles). This extended range, coupled with its fuel efficiency, makes the 787-8 a viable option for airlines to operate long-haul flights with lower environmental impact.

Inside, the Boeing 787-8 typically seats 242 passengers in a standard three-class configuration, but it can accommodate up to 381 passengers in a high-density setup. The cabin of the 787-8 has been designed with passenger comfort at its core, featuring larger windows that are electronically dimmable, higher humidity levels, and a lower cabin altitude pressure. These features significantly enhance the passenger experience, particularly on long-duration flights, by reducing fatigue and improving overall comfort.

The 787-8 competes in the commercial aviation market with aircraft such as the Airbus A330-900neo. Its introduction was a strategic move by Boeing to provide airlines with an aircraft that combines operational efficiency with advanced passenger comfort amenities. The aircraft's innovative design and environmental considerations have made it a preferred choice for various airlines, including All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, and LATAM Chile. These carriers have utilized the 787-8's capabilities to effectively serve a broad range of international and transcontinental routes.

The development and deployment of the Boeing 787-8 have been characterized by a shift towards more sustainable and efficient air travel. Its use of cutting-edge materials, coupled with state-of-the-art systems, represents a significant advancement in aircraft design. As a result, the 787-8 has set new standards in terms of operational efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort, thereby playing a pivotal role in the evolution of modern long-haul aviation.

Share:
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.

Related Airliner Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the WebFlite Aircraft Comparison Tool.

What is this comparison tool?

WebFlite’s Aircraft Comparison Tool allows users to contrast the specifications of over 100 airliner, freighter, and fighter jet models. The head-to-head comparisons include data related to size, weight, capacity, performance, and much more! Whether you want to compare similar aircraft, old vs new, big vs small - you can find it here at WebFlite!

How do you use this tool?

The Aircraft Comparison Tool is extremely easy to use! First, select your type of aircraft - Airliners, Freighters, or Fighter Jets. When the page reloads, select an aircraft from each of the two drop-down menus below the aircraft illustrations, and then click the blue “Compare” button. The page will automatically update and display those two aircraft and their specs! You can start a new comparison by changing either one or both aircraft from the drop-downs, and clicking “Compare” again. You can also change the aircraft type at the top of the page.

Where does the aircraft data come from?

The data for these aircraft has been scraped from a few sources, including manufacturer websites, government databases, and Wikipedia. While the data is fairly accurate, we cannot guarantee it all to be 100% exact. This is mainly due to discrepancies between sub-models and configurations. Most aircraft in this comparison tool will include what variant its data is based off of.

What are the most popular aircraft comparisons?
Can I share this tool or a comparison?

Yes! Please feel free to share this tool or any specific aircraft comparison with friends, family, or on social media! You may also share on your own website, but please include a link to the tool! We appreciate any support with helping us grow!

webflite-logoWebFlite
2023 WebFlite. All rights reserved.