A321 vs 208 Caravan

The A321 and the 208 Caravan are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Cessna respectively. The A321 reaches 871 km/h — 2.5x the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 1,980 km for the 208 Caravan. The A321 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 7,600 m for the 208 Caravan. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 20:1 the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 3,000 for the 208 Caravan. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $2.1M for the 208 Caravan. The 208 Caravan first flew 5 years before the A321 (1982 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
American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s.
Cessna 208 Caravan Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Cessna
First flight 9 December 1982
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 3000 units
Average unit price $2.1 million
Wing area 122.6 m²
Wingspan 34.1 m
Height 11.8 m
Length 37.6 m
Maximum speed 871 km/h
Operational range 5,930 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg
Empty weight 42,600 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf
Wing area 26.0 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m
Height 4.3 m
Length 12.7 m
Maximum speed 344 km/h
Operational range 1,980 km
Service ceiling 7,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,970 kg
Empty weight 2,073 kg
Total thrust 1 x 505 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or 208 Caravan?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h, a difference of 527 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or 208 Caravan?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the 208 Caravan's 1,980 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or 208 Caravan?
The A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the 208 Caravan's 7,600 meters (24,934 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or 208 Caravan?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or 208 Caravan?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the 208 Caravan's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or 208 Caravan?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the 208 Caravan at $2.1 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan entered service first in 1984, 10 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan has been produced in greater numbers with 3,000 units compared to 2,917 units of the A321.