F-104 Starfighter vs Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta

American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces.
Picture of F-104 Starfighter
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
French experimental jet fighter from the 1950s, never deployed in combat or operational use.
Picture of Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault
First flight 25 June 1955
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1422 units
Average unit price $12 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
Profile drawing of Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Wing area 27.1 m²
Wingspan 7.3 m
Height -- m
Length 12.8 m
Maximum speed 1700 km/h
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 14,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,150 kg
Empty weight 3,610 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,960 kgf
Profile drawing of Dassault Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 800 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter has a longer range at 680 km compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 14,600 meters (47,900 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 5,150 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 12.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta is more expensive at approximately $12 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 3 years before the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 1,422 units of the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta.