A321 vs ATR-42

The A321 and the ATR-42 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and ATR respectively. Top speed is 871 km/h for the A321 vs 556 km/h for the ATR-42. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 1,326 km for the ATR-42. The A321 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 7,620 m for the ATR-42. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 4.2x the ATR-42's 18,600 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 497 for the ATR-42. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $20M for the ATR-42. The ATR-42 first flew 3 years before the A321 (1984 vs 1987).

European narrow-body commercial passenger jet, recognized for global use since 1990s, employed extensively by major airlines.
Airbus A321 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 27 February 1987
Year introduced 1994
Number produced 2917 units
Average unit price $120 million
French-Italian regional airliner, noteworthy for operations throughout 1980s-2000s with more than 100 operators worldwide.
ATR ATR-42 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer ATR
First flight 16 August 1984
Year introduced 1985
Number produced 497 units
Average unit price $20 million
Wing area 122.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 34.1 m â—‰
Height 11.8 m â—‰
Length 37.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 871 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,930 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 42,600 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf â—‰
Wing area 54.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 24.6 m â—‰
Height 7.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 556 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,326 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 18,600 kg â—‰
Empty weight 11,250 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,790 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or ATR-42?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the ATR-42's 556 km/h, a difference of 315 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or ATR-42?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the ATR-42's 1,326 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or ATR-42?
The A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the ATR-42's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or ATR-42?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the ATR-42's 18,600 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or ATR-42?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the ATR-42's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or ATR-42?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the ATR-42 at $20 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or ATR-42?
The ATR-42 entered service first in 1985, 9 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or ATR-42?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 497 units of the ATR-42.