ARJ21-700 vs Embraer E170
The Embraer E170 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the COMAC ARJ21-700 (introduced 2016) beside the Embraer Executive Jets Embraer E170 (introduced 2004) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the ARJ21-700 carries more passengers. 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.
ARJ21-700 vs Embraer E170: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 6% more range (ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm; Embraer E170: 2,100 nm).
- The Embraer E170 delivers 6% more cruise speed (ARJ21-700: 422 kt; Embraer E170: 447 kt).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 13% more passenger capacity (ARJ21-700: 90 seats; Embraer E170: 80 seats).
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 2004 for the Embraer E170), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (89,947 lbs versus 82,012 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 ARJ21-700 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 ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Embraer E170 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
ARJ21-700 vs Embraer E170: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ARJ21-700 or the Embraer E170?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 2,100 nm for the Embraer E170.
Does the ARJ21-700 or Embraer E170 seat more passengers?
The ARJ21-700 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 80 on the Embraer E170.
Which is faster, the ARJ21-700 or the Embraer E170?
The Embraer E170 cruises faster, at 447 kt versus 422 kt for the ARJ21-700.
Which is newer, the ARJ21-700 or the Embraer E170?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 2004 for the Embraer E170.
Is the ARJ21-700 or the Embraer E170 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 82,012 lbs for the Embraer E170.
Should I buy the ARJ21-700 or the Embraer E170?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Embraer E170 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 ARJ21-700 vs Embraer E170?
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.