A318 vs 757-200
The 757-200 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A318 (introduced 2003) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 757-200 (introduced 1983) 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 757-200 carries more passengers. undefined
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A318 vs 757-200: the key differences
- The 757-200 delivers 26% more range (A318: 3,100 nm; 757-200: 3,915 nm).
- The 757-200 delivers 2% more cruise speed (A318: 447 kt; 757-200: 458 kt).
- The 757-200 delivers 81% more passenger capacity (A318: 132 seats; 757-200: 239 seats).
- The A318 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1983 for the 757-200), a gap of 20 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 757-200 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (255,000 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 757-200 is the stronger fit for long-haul and transatlantic missions — its 3,915 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 757-200's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 757-200 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 757-200: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A318 or the 757-200?
The 757-200 has the longer published range — 3,915 nm versus 3,100 nm for the A318.
Does the A318 or 757-200 seat more passengers?
The 757-200 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 239 seats, compared with 132 on the A318.
Which is faster, the A318 or the 757-200?
The 757-200 cruises faster, at 458 kt versus 447 kt for the A318.
Which is newer, the A318 or the 757-200?
The A318 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1983 for the 757-200.
Is the A318 or the 757-200 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 757-200 is the larger aircraft — 255,000 lbs versus 149,900 lbs for the A318.
Should I buy the A318 or the 757-200?
On published specifications the 757-200 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 757-200?
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.