3:24: For those interested:
Those two chin scoops were air conditioning inlets. Both the Douglas and Boeing used Freon A/C systems (same as autos) before air-compressed "Packs" became available in newer airplanes.
The two tiny upper windows were used for celestial navigation, to supplement normal flight deck instruments.

The Air Force did NOT just order the KC-135. They held a competition, which Lockheed won. Then, because Curtis LeMay threw a hissy fit, because Boeing had a plane already flying while Lockheed only had a proposal and he needed a tanker NOW, they ordered 30 KC-135s from Boeing with the strict understanding that there would be no more orders for it, ever. But then Lockheed dropped the ball, and their tanker never materialized. So the Air Force tucked their tail between their legs and went crawling back to Boeing for the rest of the fleet.

The 707 has a slightly more modern look than the DC-8.

Nothing can beat the air start of a DC8, there’s a video of Air Asia starting up and it’s an awesome sound. I had many flights on both but have to pick the DC 8 as the better plane. Wider seats and leg room with larger windows.

My first plane ride was on a DC-8.  United Airlines had had to cancel my family's first flight because of mechanical problems on the DC-7 were were supposed to take, so we had to go on another flight 7 hours later and United upgraded us to First Class so that was very cool.

Wow, this is a top notch well-researched video on these mythical giants of commercial aviation. As I kid, I flew on both and liked them equally. As an adult, this also answers a lot of questions about the two companies and where Boeing right now. Excellent job!

This was an excellent production. You actually covered a very thorough comparison in under 15 minutes. Great Work!

❤❤

The DC-8 was a very capable aircraft and could have sold more units if it weren't for Douglas's shortsightedness.

Yeah, the sound barrier "test" was unintended.

What's a "fuel variant"?

IMO the better icon: 707, the better plane: DC8. Not that the 707 was bad or anything.

As is often the case, the superior airplane lost the sales battle. Just like the Lockheed L1011 vs. the MD DC-10,

What about the Convair 880/990?

A DC8 with 4 cfm56, talk about over power, the dc8 is far smaller than an A340

DC8 has proven to be the better aircraft of the two, over time. Our national carrier ordered them as they were The most capable aircraft available. They cost 1 million more per unit but made the airline millions more over 21 years thru their dependability.
Taking nothing away from the 707-- a very good airplane in its own right. Flight hours suggest they just weren't quite as good...