ATR-42 vs DC-3

The ATR-42 and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by ATR and Douglas respectively. Top speed is 556 km/h for the ATR-42 vs 413 km/h for the DC-3. The ATR-42 has an operational range of 1,326 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The ATR-42 operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. The ATR-42 has been produced in 497 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $20M for the ATR-42 vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 43 years before the ATR-42 (1941 vs 1984).

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
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 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—‰
Wing area 91.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m â—‰
Height 5.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 413 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,071 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,450 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the ATR-42 or DC-3?
The ATR-42 is faster with a maximum speed of 556 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 143 km/h.
Which has longer range, the ATR-42 or DC-3?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the ATR-42's 1,326 km.
Which can fly higher, the ATR-42 or DC-3?
The ATR-42 has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the ATR-42 or DC-3?
The ATR-42 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,600 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the ATR-42 or DC-3?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the ATR-42's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the ATR-42 or DC-3?
The ATR-42 is more expensive at approximately $20 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the ATR-42 or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 49 years before the ATR-42 which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the ATR-42 or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 497 units of the ATR-42.