F-104 Starfighter vs F-86 Sabre
Overview
The F-104 Starfighter and the F-86 Sabre are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and North American respectively.
The F-104 Starfighter reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.2x the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 2,454 km for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre operates at altitudes up to 15,850 m compared to 15,240 m for the F-104 Starfighter.
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 9,860 for the F-86 Sabre. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre first flew 7 years before the F-104 Starfighter (1947 vs 1954).
| American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces. | |
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| 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 jet, iconic of the Korean War period, widely operational across cold-war frontline, supersonic, and recognized for its dog-fighting capability. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | North American |
| First flight | 1 October 1947 |
| Year introduced | 1949 |
| Number produced | 9860 units |
| Average unit price | $1.2 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 | 28.1 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 11.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1127 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,454 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,850 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 9,621 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 5,443 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 3,402 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 1,373 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a higher service ceiling at 15,850 meters (52,001 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-104 Starfighter is more expensive at approximately $1.4 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 9 years before the F-104 Starfighter which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 2,578 units of the F-104 Starfighter.