A321 vs DC-3
Overview
The A321 and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Douglas respectively.
The A321 reaches 871 km/h — 2.1x the DC-3's 413 km/h. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The A321 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 5.9x the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 46 years before the A321 (1941 vs 1987).
| European narrow-body commercial passenger jet, recognized for global use since 1990s, employed extensively by major airlines. | |
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| 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 commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Douglas |
| First flight | 23 December 1941 |
| Year introduced | 1936 |
| Number produced | 10174 units |
| Average unit price | $80K |
| 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 5,670 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 91.7 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 29.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 22.7 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 413 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,540 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 7,071 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 13,154 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 6,450 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 3 x 292 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A321 or DC-3?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 458 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or DC-3?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the DC-3's 2,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or DC-3?
The A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or DC-3?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or DC-3?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the DC-3's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or DC-3?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 58 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 2,917 units of the A321.