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Boeing 747-400 vs. Boeing 757-200

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747-400

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757-200

Price (USD)
$187 Million$73 Million
First Flight
19881982
Body Type
Wide-bodyNarrow-body
Length
70 m232 ft
47 m155 ft
Wingspan
64 m211 ft
38 m124 ft
Wing Area
541 m²5,825 ft²
185 m²1,994 ft²
Fuselage Width
6 m21 ft
3 m12 ft
Height
19 m63 ft
13 m44 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
396,900 kg875,015 lbs
115,700 kg255,075 lbs
Number of Engines
42
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney PW4000 / General Electric CF6 / Rolls-Royce RB211 Rolls-Royce RB211 / Pratt & Whitney PW2000
Max Thrust Per Engine
281 kN63,000 lbf
179 kN40,200 lbf
Max Total Thrust
1,124 kN252,000 lbf
358 kN80,400 lbf
Fuel Capacity
216,000 l57,061 gal
43,490 l11,489 gal
Range
13,490 km7,284 nm
7,250 km3,915 nm
Cruise Speed
920 km/h572 mph
850 km/h528 mph
Typical Seating
416 pax200 pax
Max Seating
524 pax239 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 757-200

Boeing 747-400 vs Boeing 757-200 Size Comparison

  • At 70.70 meters, the Boeing 747-400 is 23.40 meters longer than the Boeing 757-200.
  • With a wingspan of 64.40 meters, the Boeing 747-400 is 26.40 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 757-200 have heights of 19.40 meters and 13.60 meters respectively - making the Boeing 747-400 5.80 meters taller.

Boeing 747-400 vs Boeing 757-200 Range

  • Boeing 747-400’s range of 13,490 kilometers is greater than Boeing 757-200’s range of 7,250 kilometers. Therefore, the Boeing 747-400 can fly nonstop approximately 6,240 kilometers further.
  • The Boeing 747-400 can hold 57,061 gallons of fuel, which is 45,572 gallons more than the Boeing 757-200’s tank capacity of 11,489 gallons.

Boeing 747-400 vs Boeing 757-200 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 747-400 can accommodate 416 passengers, which is about 216 passengers more than Boeing 757-200’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 747-400’s max seating capacity is 524 passengers, compared to 239 passengers of the Boeing 757-200.

About the Boeing 747-400

The Boeing 747-400, a major development in the iconic 747 series, debuted in 1988 and quickly became one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world. Known as the "Queen of the Skies," this wide-body airliner redefined long-haul travel with its unparalleled range and capacity.

With a commanding presence, the 747-400 stretches 231.9 feet (70.7 meters) in length and boasts a wingspan of 211.4 feet (64.4 meters). The -400 featured reinvented wingtip extensions and winglets which improved the aircraft's fuel efficiency by 4%. Its distinctive second floor hump and four-engine configuration make it a standout at any airport. The 747-400's design accommodates up to 416 passengers in a typical three-class layout, making it one of the largest passenger airliners at the time of its introduction. The -400 variant was later succeeded by the newer 747-8I.

The 747-400 had three engine options; Pratt & Whitney PW4000s General Electric CF6s, or Rolls-Royce RB211s. Each 747-400 had a thrust of about 56,000 lbf (249.0 kN), summing up to an impressive total of 224,000 lbf (996.0 kN) across the 4 powerplants. This immense power, coupled with a fuel capacity of 57,061 US gallons (216,000 liters), allows the 747-400 to achieve a range of 7,284 nautical miles (13,490 kilometers). This exceptional range capability opened up numerous long-haul and transoceanic routes, reducing the need for stopovers and changing the face of international travel.

In the commercial aviation market, the Boeing 747-400 was a direct competitor to other large aircraft such as the Airbus A340. However, its unique features, like the upper deck and expansive cargo capacity, gave it a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike. The 747-400 was operated by airlines such as British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Air France. These were among many other operators that used the 747-400 for their flagship international routes. Its spacious cabin and long-range abilities made it ideal for high-profile and high-density routes, offering passengers a unique and comfortable flying experience.

The Boeing 747-400's legacy goes beyond its impressive technical specifications. It symbolizes a significant era in aviation history, where the pursuit of connecting distant parts of the world became a reality. The aircraft's production, which spanned over two decades, is a testament to its enduring appeal and the pivotal role it played in shaping modern air travel. Today, while newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft have started to replace the 747-400, its iconic status and contribution to the airline industry continue to be celebrated. The Boeing 747-400 remains an enduring symbol of the romance and grandeur of flying, representing a bygone era of luxury, scale, and ambition in aviation. Lufthansa, Air China, and Asiana Airlines are some of the last airlines to hold onto their last 747-400s.

About the Boeing 757-200

The Boeing 757-200, classified as a narrow-body commercial airliner targeting the medium to long-range flight market. Production commenced in the early 1980s, with the first units entering service in 1982. Over the years, the Boeing 757-200 (abbreviated as B752) gained traction in commercial aviation, being used in a variety of roles ranging from busy shuttle services to transatlantic routes. When it comes to international use of the 757-200, carriers most commonly utilize the type for transatlantic routes between the US and Europe. The -200 is particularly advantageous for serving destinations where passenger volumes are insufficient for wide-body aircraft. The -200 is the original version of the 757, with the updated and enlarged -300 entering service in 1999.

The 757-200's dimensions include a length of 47.3 meters (155.2 feet) and a wingspan of 38.0 meters (124.7 feet), coupled with a wing area of 185.3 square meters (1994.0 square feet). The aircraft's propulsion system, consisting of engines capable of a maximum thrust of 358.0 kN (80,400 lbf), supports a range of approximately 7,250 kilometers (3,915 nautical miles), making it suitable for both domestic and international routes. In terms of seating capacity, the Boeing 757-200 can typically accommodate around 200 passengers in a standard configuration, with the possibility of seating up to 239 passengers. This flexibility in cabin layout allowed airlines to optimize the aircraft for various service requirements.

The Boeing 757-200's main competitors in the market is the Airbus A321. These aircraft offered similar capabilities in terms of range and passenger capacity, leading to a competitive landscape in the medium-haul market segment. The newer A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 9 are expected to replace 757-200s as they are moved into retirement. Prominent airlines that have operated the Boeing 757-200 include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and British Airways. These carriers utilized the 757-200 extensively for its operational flexibility, allowing them to serve a wide range of routes effectively.

As a product of its time, the Boeing 757-200 embodied the technological and design philosophies of the era, catering to the specific demands of medium to long-haul air travel. Its widespread use by various airlines underscores its alignment with the operational needs of the commercial aviation industry during its production and operational tenure.

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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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