F-104 Starfighter vs F-84 Thunderjet

The F-104 Starfighter and the F-84 Thunderjet are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Republic respectively. The F-104 Starfighter reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.5x the F-84 Thunderjet's 1,001 km/h. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 1,080 km for the F-84 Thunderjet. The F-104 Starfighter operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 12,344 m for the F-84 Thunderjet. The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 7,524 for the F-84 Thunderjet. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $1.4M for the F-84 Thunderjet. The F-84 Thunderjet first flew 8 years before the F-104 Starfighter (1946 vs 1954).

American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces.
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 4 March 1954
Year introduced 1958
Number produced 2578 units
Average unit price $1.4 million
American fighter-bomber of the 1940s–1950s era, notable in the Korean War for close air support and strategic bombing missions.
Republic F-84 Thunderjet Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Republic
First flight 28 February 1946
Year introduced 1950
Number produced 7524 units
Average unit price $1.4 million
Wing area 18.2 m²
Wingspan 6.4 m
Height 4.1 m
Length 16.7 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h
Operational range 680 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg
Empty weight 6,350 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,536 kgf
Wing area 24.0 m²
Wingspan 11.1 m
Height 3.8 m
Length 11.6 m
Maximum speed 1001 km/h
Operational range 1,080 km
Service ceiling 12,344 m
Max. takeoff weight 10,590 kg
Empty weight 5,200 kg
Total thrust 1 x 2,522 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or F-84 Thunderjet?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 1,001 km/h, a difference of 1,499 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or F-84 Thunderjet?
The F-84 Thunderjet has a longer range at 1,080 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or F-84 Thunderjet?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 12,344 meters (40,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or F-84 Thunderjet?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 10,590 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or F-84 Thunderjet?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or F-84 Thunderjet?
The F-84 Thunderjet is more expensive at approximately $1.4 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or F-84 Thunderjet?
The F-84 Thunderjet entered service first in 1950, 8 years before the F-104 Starfighter which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or F-84 Thunderjet?
The F-84 Thunderjet has been produced in greater numbers with 7,524 units compared to 2,578 units of the F-104 Starfighter.