Fighter performance; F-4 vs MiG-21; actual plane analysis

[John Beaman]

The two planes were designed for different missions. The MiG-21 was designed as a rapid response point interceptor against bombers. By being small and simple the manufacturing is easy and you can make a lot of them and spread them around. The F-4 was designed as a long range bomber interceptor to defend the fleet from aerial threats a long way from the fleet; hence the two engines, large fuel capacity (for those thirsty engines) and a pilot and a radar/weapons guy. Very different missions. Later, both of course, were adopted for all kinds of missions never dreamed of in the original design specs.

The only reason to compare is, as someone remarked, they faught against each other in several conflicts.