A318 vs 737 MAX 8
The 737 MAX 8 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A318 (introduced 2003) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737 MAX 8 (introduced 2017) 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 MAX 8 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 MAX 8: the key differences
- The 737 MAX 8 delivers 15% more range (A318: 3,100 nm; 737 MAX 8: 3,550 nm).
- The 737 MAX 8 delivers 1% more cruise speed (A318: 447 kt; 737 MAX 8: 453 kt).
- The 737 MAX 8 delivers 59% more passenger capacity (A318: 132 seats; 737 MAX 8: 210 seats).
- The 737 MAX 8 is the newer design (introduced 2017 versus 2003 for the A318), a gap of 14 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 737 MAX 8 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (181,200 lbs versus 149,900 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The 737 MAX 8 is the stronger fit for long-haul and transatlantic missions — its 3,550 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The A318, at 3,100 nm, is better matched to transcontinental missions, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the A318's range, the 737 MAX 8's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 737 MAX 8 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.
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A318 vs 737 MAX 8: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A318 or the 737 MAX 8?
The 737 MAX 8 has the longer published range — 3,550 nm versus 3,100 nm for the A318.
Does the A318 or 737 MAX 8 seat more passengers?
The 737 MAX 8 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 210 seats, compared with 132 on the A318.
Which is faster, the A318 or the 737 MAX 8?
The 737 MAX 8 cruises faster, at 453 kt versus 447 kt for the A318.
Which is newer, the A318 or the 737 MAX 8?
The 737 MAX 8 is the newer design, introduced in 2017 versus 2003 for the A318.
Is the A318 or the 737 MAX 8 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 737 MAX 8 is the larger aircraft — 181,200 lbs versus 149,900 lbs for the A318.
Should I buy the A318 or the 737 MAX 8?
On published specifications the 737 MAX 8 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 MAX 8?
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.