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F-104 Starfighter vs F-86 Sabre

F-104 Starfighter vs F-86 Sabre at a glance — top speed 2,500 vs 1,127 km/h, range 2,623 vs 2,454 km, max takeoff weight 13,170 vs 9,621 kg, built 2,578 vs 9,860 units.

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-104 Starfighter
North American F-86 Sabre combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-86 Sabre
Specifications
F-104 Starfighter F-86 Sabre
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed North American
First flight 4 March 1954 1 October 1947
Year introduced 1958 1949
Number produced 2578 units 9860 units
Average unit price $1.4 million $1.2 million
Wing area 18.2 m² 28.1 m²
Wingspan 6.4 m 11.3 m
Height 4.1 m 4.4 m
Length 16.7 m 11.4 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h 1127 km/h
Operational range 2,623 km 2,454 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 15,850 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg 9,621 kg
Empty weight 6,350 kg 5,443 kg
Total thrust 1 x 7,076 kgf 1 x 3,402 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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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-104 Starfighter has a longer range at 2,623 km compared to the F-86 Sabre's 2,454 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.