The 737NG outclimbs, out cruises and flies farther than the A320. The difference is that Airbus is subsidized and as such it gives some sweetheart deals that Boeing may not be able to do. As far as overall costs go, Boeing 727s are still being used by FedEx and DHL. The 757s will be around for a long time. How many original A300s are left? The A320 original aircraft may not be long for this world either. I think from a passenger perspective, Airbus builds a great product. But for longevity, nothin' beats a Boeing.