F-4 Phantom II vs F-86 Sabre

Overview

The F-4 Phantom II and the F-86 Sabre are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell and North American respectively.

The F-4 Phantom II reaches 2,370 km/h — 2.1x the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h. The F-4 Phantom II has an operational range of 680 km vs 2,454 km for the F-86 Sabre. The F-4 Phantom II operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 15,850 m for the F-86 Sabre. At 28,030 kg MTOW, the F-4 Phantom II is 2.9x the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.

The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in 5,195 units vs 9,860 for the F-86 Sabre. Unit cost is $3M for the F-4 Phantom II vs $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre first flew 11 years before the F-4 Phantom II (1947 vs 1958).

F-4 Phantom II

American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 million
→ View full F-4 Phantom II details

F-86 Sabre

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
→ View full F-86 Sabre details

F-4 Phantom II

Wing area 49.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.7 m ◉
Height 5.0 m ◉
Length 19.0 m ◉
Maximum speed 2370 km/h ◉
Operational range 680 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,288 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg ◉
Empty weight 13,757 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 8,093 kgf ◉

F-86 Sabre

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-4 Phantom II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 1,243 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-4 Phantom II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-4 Phantom II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-4 Phantom II 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-4 Phantom II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the F-4 Phantom II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-4 Phantom II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-4 Phantom II is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-4 Phantom II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 13 years before the F-4 Phantom II which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-4 Phantom II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 5,195 units of the F-4 Phantom II.

Related Comparisons

F-4 Phantom II vs MiG-15 Fagot F-4 Phantom II vs MiG-21 Fishbed F-4 Phantom II vs MiG-17 Fresco F-4 Phantom II vs F-84 Thunderjet F-4 Phantom II vs MiG-23 Flogger F-4 Phantom II vs F-16 Fighting Falcon
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme