A380 vs 757-200
The A380 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A380 (introduced 2007) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 757-200 (introduced 1983) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the A380 carries more passengers. 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.
A380 vs 757-200: the key differences
- The A380 delivers 109% more range (A380: 8,200 nm; 757-200: 3,915 nm).
- The A380 delivers 11% more cruise speed (A380: 507 kt; 757-200: 458 kt).
- The A380 delivers 257% more passenger capacity (A380: 853 seats; 757-200: 239 seats).
- The A380 is the newer design (introduced 2007 versus 1983 for the 757-200), a gap of 24 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A380 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (1,267,658 lbs versus 255,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the A380 runs 4 engines against 2 on the 757-200 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The A380 is the stronger fit for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes — its 8,200 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 757-200, at 3,915 nm, is better matched to long-haul and transatlantic missions, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 757-200's range, the A380's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the A380 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 757-200 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
A380 vs 757-200: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A380 or the 757-200?
The A380 has the longer published range — 8,200 nm versus 3,915 nm for the 757-200.
Does the A380 or 757-200 seat more passengers?
The A380 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 853 seats, compared with 239 on the 757-200.
Which is faster, the A380 or the 757-200?
The A380 cruises faster, at 507 kt versus 458 kt for the 757-200.
Which is newer, the A380 or the 757-200?
The A380 is the newer design, introduced in 2007 versus 1983 for the 757-200.
Is the A380 or the 757-200 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A380 is the larger aircraft — 1,267,658 lbs versus 255,000 lbs for the 757-200.
Should I buy the A380 or the 757-200?
On published specifications the A380 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 757-200 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 A380 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.