A318 vs 737-800
The 737-800 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A318 (introduced 2003) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737-800 (introduced 1998) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 737-800 carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A318 vs 737-800: the key differences
- The 737-800 delivers 0% more range (A318: 3,100 nm; 737-800: 3,115 nm).
- The 737-800 delivers 1% more cruise speed (A318: 447 kt; 737-800: 453 kt).
- The 737-800 delivers 43% more passenger capacity (A318: 132 seats; 737-800: 189 seats).
- The A318 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1998 for the 737-800), a gap of 5 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 737-800 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (174,200 lbs versus 149,900 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for transcontinental missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 737-800 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 737-800 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The A318 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
A318 vs 737-800: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A318 or the 737-800?
The 737-800 has the longer published range — 3,115 nm versus 3,100 nm for the A318.
Does the A318 or 737-800 seat more passengers?
The 737-800 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 189 seats, compared with 132 on the A318.
Which is faster, the A318 or the 737-800?
The 737-800 cruises faster, at 453 kt versus 447 kt for the A318.
Which is newer, the A318 or the 737-800?
The A318 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1998 for the 737-800.
Is the A318 or the 737-800 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 737-800 is the larger aircraft — 174,200 lbs versus 149,900 lbs for the A318.
Should I buy the A318 or the 737-800?
On published specifications the 737-800 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The A318 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the A318 vs 737-800?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.