737-800 vs 767-300ER
The 767-300ER leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737-800 (introduced 1998) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 767-300ER (introduced 1988) 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 767-300ER has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
737-800 vs 767-300ER: the key differences
- The 767-300ER delivers 105% more range (737-800: 3,115 nm; 767-300ER: 6,385 nm).
- The 767-300ER delivers 1% more cruise speed (737-800: 453 kt; 767-300ER: 459 kt).
- The 767-300ER delivers 86% more passenger capacity (737-800: 189 seats; 767-300ER: 351 seats).
- The 737-800 is the newer design (introduced 1998 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER), a gap of 10 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 767-300ER is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (412,775 lbs versus 174,200 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The 767-300ER is the stronger fit for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes — its 6,385 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 737-800, at 3,115 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 737-800's range, the 767-300ER's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 767-300ER 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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737-800 vs 767-300ER: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 737-800 or the 767-300ER?
The 767-300ER has the longer published range — 6,385 nm versus 3,115 nm for the 737-800.
Does the 737-800 or 767-300ER seat more passengers?
The 767-300ER carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 351 seats, compared with 189 on the 737-800.
Which is faster, the 737-800 or the 767-300ER?
The 767-300ER cruises faster, at 459 kt versus 453 kt for the 737-800.
Which is newer, the 737-800 or the 767-300ER?
The 737-800 is the newer design, introduced in 1998 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER.
Is the 737-800 or the 767-300ER the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 767-300ER is the larger aircraft — 412,775 lbs versus 174,200 lbs for the 737-800.
Should I buy the 737-800 or the 767-300ER?
On published specifications the 767-300ER 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 737-800 vs 767-300ER?
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.