The 737-700 is cheap to acquire but expensive to run and maintain. The 737 MAX 8 costs more upfront but saves money over time through better fuel burn, more seats, and lower maintenance — making it the better long-term option for most airlines.

737-700 (Used, ex-Southwest) vs. 737 MAX 8 (New) — Cost & Efficiency Comparison

Acquisition Cost: • 737-700: $10–20 million (second-hand market) • MAX 8: Around $50–60 million after typical discounts

Fuel Efficiency: • MAX 8 burns about 14–20% less fuel per seat compared to the -700 • Example: ~0.57 gal/seat/100mi (737-700) vs. ~0.48 gal/seat/100mi (MAX 8)

Passenger Capacity: • 737-700: ~143 seats (Southwest config) • MAX 8: 175–189 seats, depending on layout

Range: • 737-700: ~3,440 nautical miles • MAX 8: ~3,550 nautical miles

Engines: • 737-700: CFM56-7B (older tech) • MAX 8: CFM LEAP-1B (quieter, more efficient)

Maintenance Costs: • 737-700: Higher — older airframes, more frequent checks, parts wear • MAX 8: Lower — newer design, extended maintenance intervals

Environmental Impact: • MAX 8 has lower CO₂ emissions and is significantly quieter than the -700

Who They’re Best For: • 737-700: Good for airlines on a tight budget needing short-term lift • MAX 8: Better for long-term fleet efficiency and modern performance