Even with the weight difference the 757 trounces it on actual performance of short runways or in hot conditions. There is only so much you can do with a 117 foot wing and single axle trucks. I got bumped last week jumpseating on a A321 CEO for weight flying CLT to LAX with good weather. Took 20 paying passengers off also.
It’s amazing that 30 years later nothing matches the 757 in all around performance.