717-200 vs 737-800
The 737-800 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Boeing Commercial Airplanes 717-200 (introduced 1999) and the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737-800 (introduced 1998) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the 737-800 has the advantage. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
717-200 vs 737-800: the key differences
- The 737-800 delivers 51% more range (717-200: 2,060 nm; 737-800: 3,115 nm).
- The 737-800 delivers 3% more cruise speed (717-200: 438 kt; 737-800: 453 kt).
- The 737-800 delivers 41% more passenger capacity (717-200: 134 seats; 737-800: 189 seats).
- The 717-200 is the newer design (introduced 1999 versus 1998 for the 737-800), a gap of 1 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 121,000 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 717-200 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
717-200 vs 737-800: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 717-200 or the 737-800?
The 737-800 has the longer published range — 3,115 nm versus 2,060 nm for the 717-200.
Does the 717-200 or 737-800 seat more passengers?
The 737-800 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 189 seats, compared with 134 on the 717-200.
Which is faster, the 717-200 or the 737-800?
The 737-800 cruises faster, at 453 kt versus 438 kt for the 717-200.
Which is newer, the 717-200 or the 737-800?
The 717-200 is the newer design, introduced in 1999 versus 1998 for the 737-800.
Is the 717-200 or the 737-800 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 737-800 is the larger aircraft — 174,200 lbs versus 121,000 lbs for the 717-200.
Should I buy the 717-200 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 717-200 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 717-200 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.