In terms of fuel burn, I believe a reasonably modern 737 (cfm engines) will burn around about 4,500lb fuel per hour in the cruise (correct me if I'm wrong).
On the Electra, we used to plan on about 5,000lb for the first hour, reducing to 4,500 thereafter - so a little more, but not drastically, considering the 40-odd years of extra development involved - I don't have fuel figures for the "straight jet" 737.
Oh, and over a 2 or 300 mile stage length, the Electra is no slower than the jet. In fact, before they put the speed restrictions on it, I'm told it was faster over the ground than the 737.
And it has a lovely sound, and handles like a dream.
TTR