F-16 Fighting Falcon vs F-86 Sabre

The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-86 Sabre are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by General Dynamics and North American respectively. The F-16 Fighting Falcon reaches 2,410 km/h — 2.1x the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has an operational range of 546 km vs 2,454 km for the F-86 Sabre. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 15,850 m for the F-86 Sabre. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in 4,604 units vs 9,860 for the F-86 Sabre. Unit cost is $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre first flew 27 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1947 vs 1974).

American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics
First flight 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1979
Number produced 4604 units
Average unit price $75 million
American fighter jet, iconic of the Korean War period, widely operational across cold-war frontline, supersonic, and recognized for its dog-fighting capability.
North American F-86 Sabre Combat profile drawing
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 27.9 m²
Wingspan 10.0 m
Height 4.9 m
Length 15.1 m
Maximum speed 2410 km/h
Operational range 546 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg
Empty weight 8,570 kg
Total thrust 1 x 7,777 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-86 Sabre?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 1,283 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-86 Sabre?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the F-86 Sabre's 15,850 meters (52,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-86 Sabre?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-86 Sabre?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is longer at 15.1 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-86 Sabre?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 30 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 4,604 units of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.