While the aircraft were similar in overall size, the 737-600 was better suited to long-distance routes, while the lighter 717 was more efficient on shorter, regional routes.
Vaikka koneet olivat kooltaan samanlaisia, 737-600 soveltui paremmin pitkän matkan reiteille, kun taas kevyempi 717 oli parempi lyhyemmille, alueellisille reiteille.