737-700 vs 787-8 Dreamliner
The 787-8 Dreamliner leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737-700 (introduced 1997) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-8 Dreamliner (introduced 2011) 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 787-8 Dreamliner 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.
737-700 vs 787-8 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 117% more range (737-700: 3,365 nm; 787-8 Dreamliner: 7,305 nm).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 8% more cruise speed (737-700: 453 kt; 787-8 Dreamliner: 488 kt).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 141% more passenger capacity (737-700: 149 seats; 787-8 Dreamliner: 359 seats).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 1997 for the 737-700), a gap of 14 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 787-8 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (502,500 lbs versus 154,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The 787-8 Dreamliner is the stronger fit for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes — its 7,305 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 737-700, at 3,365 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 737-700's range, the 787-8 Dreamliner's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 787-8 Dreamliner leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 737-700 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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737-700 vs 787-8 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 737-700 or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner has the longer published range — 7,305 nm versus 3,365 nm for the 737-700.
Does the 737-700 or 787-8 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The 787-8 Dreamliner carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 359 seats, compared with 149 on the 737-700.
Which is faster, the 737-700 or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 453 kt for the 737-700.
Which is newer, the 737-700 or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 1997 for the 737-700.
Is the 737-700 or the 787-8 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 787-8 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft — 502,500 lbs versus 154,500 lbs for the 737-700.
Should I buy the 737-700 or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
On published specifications the 787-8 Dreamliner leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 737-700 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 737-700 vs 787-8 Dreamliner?
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.