Originally Posted by
Lowtimer77
Im just curious about the MD-80. I have heard some pretty strong statements about this plane like "its a piece of ****", "fuel hog", or "its an excellent plane with great performance." Just curious. It seems as though a lot of airlines are retiring them now. Also, is a DC-9 the same thing basically, but just older?
The MD-80 is an excellent airplane. As with all stretched models though, it's predecessor's were better handling aircraft. The DC-9-10 was one of the two best handling jets airliners of all time, the other most likely the 727. The DC-9-30 was also a very nice handling aircraft. The stretched MD-80 does tend to be a bit like a wet noodle on approach in gusty conditions, but overall it still handles better than a 737.
Performance wise the 737-300/400 was far better, burning almost 1000 pounds per hour less in fuel. The 737 also has better takeoff and landing performance. Those are the two primary reasons that the 737 is a more successful aircraft.
I have multiple thousands of hours in DC-9s, MD-80s, and 737s and I do prefer the DC-9 and MD-80 series over the 737. That is a personal preference of course and everyone will have a different opinion.
Typhoonpilot