Bombardier Challenger 300 vs Bombardier Challenger 601
The Challenger 300 and Challenger 601 are different aircraft despite the shared "Challenger" badge — the 601 is the wide-body 1980s heavy-jet predecessor of the 604/605 line, while the 300 is the 2004 super-midsize clean-sheet design that became Bombardier's best-selling business jet.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bombardier Challenger 300 | Bombardier Challenger 601 |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $4,150,000 – $14,295,000 | $1,300,000 – $2,850,000 |
| Category | Super-Midsize Jet | Large Cabin Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 12 |
| Cruise Speed | 450 kts (833 km/h) | 435 kts (806 km/h) |
| Range | 3,100 nm (5,741 km) | 3,500 nm (6,482 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 38,850 lbs (17,622 kg) | 45,100 lbs (20,457 kg) |
| Useful Load | 9,500 lbs (4,309 kg) | 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,430.0 gal (5413 L) | 2,540.0 gal (9614 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 260.0 GPH (984 L/h) | 300.0 GPH (1136 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $700,000 | $900,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $500,000 | $600,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $3,500 | $4,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBombardier Challenger 300
Fuel$1,430/hr
Variable$3,500/hr
Annual Fixed$500,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,200,000/yr
Bombardier Challenger 601
Fuel$1,650/hr
Variable$4,200/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,440,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bombardier Challenger 300 or Bombardier Challenger 601?
Bottom line: Choose the Challenger 300 for a modern super-midsize jet with the best operating economics in its class. The 601 is the legacy wide-cabin heavy-jet only for buyers who specifically want the larger cabin at lowest acquisition cost and accept much higher operating costs and older systems.
Pick the Challenger 300 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$3500/hr vs $4200/hr.
- Faster cruise — 450 kts vs 435 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1983.
- More inventory — 53 listings vs 29.
Pick the Challenger 601 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,300,000 vs $4,150,000, you save ~$2,850,000.
- More seats — 12 vs 10.
- Longer range — 3500 nm vs 3100 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bombardier Challenger 300 or Bombardier Challenger 601?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Challenger 300 cruises at 450 kts with 3,100 nm range.
The Challenger 601 cruises at 435 kts with 3,500 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bombardier Challenger 300 and Bombardier Challenger 601?
Challenger 300 engine: Honeywell HTF7000.
Challenger 601 engine: General Electric CF34-1A.
Seats: 10 vs 12.
Cruise: 450 vs 435 kts.
Range: 3100 vs 3500 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Challenger 300: about $3500/hr variable cost.
Challenger 601: about $4200/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Challenger 300: 10 seats / 9,500 lb useful load.
Challenger 601: 12 seats / 12,000 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Challenger 300: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$700,000.
Challenger 601: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$900,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data