A330 vs DC-3

The A330 and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Douglas respectively. The A330 reaches 871 km/h — 2.1x the DC-3's 413 km/h. The A330 has an operational range of 13,400 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The A330 operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 242,000 kg MTOW, the A330 is 18:1 the DC-3's 13,154 kg. The A330 has been produced in 1,577 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $260M for the A330 vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 51 years before the A330 (1941 vs 1992).

European wide-body twin-engine jet airliner, recognized for extensive global service since the early 1990s, including both civilian and military roles.
Airbus A330 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 2 November 1992
Year introduced 1994
Number produced 1577 units
Average unit price $260 million
American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
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 $0.1 million
Wing area 362.0 m²
Wingspan 60.3 m
Height 17.4 m
Length 59.0 m
Maximum speed 871 km/h
Operational range 13,400 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 242,000 kg
Empty weight 119,600 kg
Total thrust 2 x 32,659 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 875 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A330 or DC-3?
The A330 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 A330 or DC-3?
The A330 has a longer range at 13,400 km compared to the DC-3's 2,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the A330 or DC-3?
The A330 has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the A330 or DC-3?
The A330 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 242,000 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the A330 or DC-3?
The A330 is longer at 59.0 meters compared to the DC-3's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A330 or DC-3?
The A330 is more expensive at approximately $260 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the A330 or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 58 years before the A330 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A330 or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 1,577 units of the A330.