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Boeing 737 MAX 8 vs. Airbus A320-200

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737 MAX 8

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A320-200

Price (USD)
$110 Million$101 Million
First Flight
20161987
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
39 m129 ft
37 m123 ft
Wingspan
35 m117 ft
35 m117 ft
Wing Area
127 m²1,367 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
12 m40 ft
11 m38 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
82,600 kg182,102 lbs
78,000 kg171,961 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI LEAP-1BCMFI CFM56 / IAE V2500
Max Thrust Per Engine
130 kN29,300 lbf
120 kN27,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
260 kN58,600 lbf
240 kN54,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
25,800 l6,816 gal
27,200 l7,185 gal
Range
6,570 km3,548 nm
6,200 km3,348 nm
Cruise Speed
839 km/h521 mph
840 km/h522 mph
Typical Seating
178 pax170 pax
Max Seating
210 pax180 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Airbus A320-200

Boeing 737 MAX 8 vs Airbus A320-200 Size Comparison

  • At 39.50 meters, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is 1.90 meters longer than the Airbus A320-200.
  • With a wingspan of 35.90 meters, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is 0.10 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Airbus A320-200 have heights of 12.30 meters and 11.80 meters respectively - making the Boeing 737 MAX 8 0.50 meters taller.

Boeing 737 MAX 8 vs Airbus A320-200 Range

  • Boeing 737 MAX 8’s range of 6,570 kilometers is greater than Airbus A320-200’s range of 6,200 kilometers. Therefore, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 can fly nonstop approximately 370 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A320-200 can hold 7,185 gallons of fuel, which is 369 gallons more than the Boeing 737 MAX 8’s tank capacity of 6,816 gallons.

Boeing 737 MAX 8 vs Airbus A320-200 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 can accommodate 178 passengers, which is about 8 passengers more than Airbus A320-200’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 737 MAX 8’s max seating capacity is 210 passengers, compared to 180 passengers of the Airbus A320-200.

About the Boeing 737 MAX 8

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is a narrow-body, twin-jet aircraft, and the upgraded version of the Boeing 737-800 from the NG family. As of 2023, over 1100 737 MAX jets are in service, with the majority of them being MAX 8s. The very first MAX 8 was delivered to Malindo Air in May of 2017. The state-of-the-art jet offers airlines a modern and versatile option for short to medium-haul routes.

A 20-month grounding interrupted deliveries after two fatal crashes traced to the programming of the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). Now restored with multiple software fixes and training revisions, the 737 MAX series retains strong market demand for economical medium haul flight connectivity globally.

With a length of 129.7 feet (39.5 meters) and a wingspan of 117.8 feet (35.9 meters), the 737 MAX 8 is adept at accommodating the operational needs of both large international airports and smaller regional terminals. It is designed to seat up to 178 passengers, striking a balance between capacity and passenger comfort. The aircraft is powered by two CFM International LEAP-1B engines, each capable of producing 29,300 lbf of thrust (130.0 kN), totaling 58,600 lbf (260.0 kN). This power, combined with a fuel capacity of 6,816 US gallons (25,800 liters), enables the 737 MAX 8 to cover a range of 3,548 nautical miles (6,570 kilometers). The upgraded LEAP-1B turbofans contribute 20% fuel savings thanks to lighter composite designs. Re-engineered tail sections and wing tips further boost efficiency.

The 737 MAX 8 is rivaled by the Airbus A320neo. These two are arguably the most capable and efficient airliners for the modern medium haul market. The airlines with the most MAX 8s include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines. Other carriers include Flydubai, Aeromexico, Air Canada, and TUI Group. With future rate increases slated as demand persists, the MAX 8 remains well-positioned as sub 180-seat workhorse growing the 737 legacy.

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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