A321 vs 500 Citation I

The A321 and the 500 Citation I are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Cessna respectively. Top speed is 871 km/h for the A321 vs 665 km/h for the 500 Citation I. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 2,459 km for the 500 Citation I. The 500 Citation I operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 12,000 m for the A321. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 15:1 the 500 Citation I's 5,375 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 689 for the 500 Citation I. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $0.9M for the 500 Citation I. The 500 Citation I first flew 18 years before the A321 (1969 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 light business jet, renowned for civil, commercial, and military use since the late 20th century.
Cessna 500 Citation I Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Cessna
First flight 15 September 1969
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 689 units
Average unit price $0.9 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 25.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 14.4 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 13.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 665 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,459 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,497 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,375 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,008 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 998 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or 500 Citation I?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the 500 Citation I's 665 km/h, a difference of 206 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or 500 Citation I?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the 500 Citation I's 2,459 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or 500 Citation I?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the 500 Citation I's 5,375 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or 500 Citation I?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the 500 Citation I's 13.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or 500 Citation I?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the 500 Citation I at $0.9 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I entered service first in 1971, 23 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or 500 Citation I?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 689 units of the 500 Citation I.