Serious question about Boing/Airbus

[rfresh]

It will just take some time. After while, you'll just look at a plane and 'know' if its a 737 or an A-319/320 type etc.

As for which is better, while we all have our preferences, the A-320 is currently out selling the 737 by a very wide margin. However, this is most likely due to it's lower cost. Airlines buy planes that meet their needs based on cost over features. This has been proven over and over and in the case of the 737 vs A-320 war, is no exception. If Boeing wants to compete with Airbus in this market they will have to lower their price.

While I prefer and favor Boeing equipment, Boeing is getting lowered down a notch or two by Airbus. Boeing has been too arrogant for too long. They *think* they know best and they *think* they know how to do it better than anyone else in world. Airbus is showing them that they are wrong with that kind of an attitude.

 

[sweptback]

Of interest, Aviation Week recently noted that the Boeing 737 just passed the 6000 mark for aircraft produced/ordered. It has been offered since 1968.

The Airbus 320 just reached the 4000 mark for produced/ordered, and it has been sold since 1988.

In addition, nearly 2000 737NGs have been delivered since 1997. It is the fastest selling airplane of all time.

 

[FL420]

May I inject a little levity along with a real attempt to answer the original question.

The leading edge of the vertical fin on the A318/319/320/321 series Airbus extends in a straight line from the top to where it joins the fuselage. The leading edge of the vertical fin on the B737 has a forward bend about a third of the way up from the fuselage.

The B737 sits closer to the ground on short gear requiring the later turbofan versions to have engine nacelles flattened on the bottom for increased ground clearance. The Airbus has longer gear and symmetrical engine nacelles.

Except for the very latest models the B737 cockpit has an eyebrow window on each side like the B707 and B727.

And, if you really want to impress someone with your keen eye, you can point out to some unsuspecting person that the Airbus fuselage diameter is 7.6 inches bigger than the single aisle Boeings.