A320neo vs 737-800
The A320neo leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A320neo (introduced 2016) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737-800 (introduced 1998) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the A320neo has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A320neo vs 737-800: the key differences
- The A320neo delivers 9% more range (A320neo: 3,400 nm; 737-800: 3,115 nm).
- The A320neo delivers 8% more cruise speed (A320neo: 487 kt; 737-800: 453 kt).
- The A320neo delivers 3% more passenger capacity (A320neo: 194 seats; 737-800: 189 seats).
- The A320neo is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1998 for the 737-800), a gap of 18 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A320neo is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (187,393 lbs versus 174,200 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 A320neo 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 A320neo leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 737-800 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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A320neo vs 737-800: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A320neo or the 737-800?
The A320neo has the longer published range — 3,400 nm versus 3,115 nm for the 737-800.
Does the A320neo or 737-800 seat more passengers?
The A320neo carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 194 seats, compared with 189 on the 737-800.
Which is faster, the A320neo or the 737-800?
The A320neo cruises faster, at 487 kt versus 453 kt for the 737-800.
Which is newer, the A320neo or the 737-800?
The A320neo is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1998 for the 737-800.
Is the A320neo or the 737-800 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A320neo is the larger aircraft — 187,393 lbs versus 174,200 lbs for the 737-800.
Should I buy the A320neo or the 737-800?
On published specifications the A320neo leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 737-800 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 A320neo 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.