Bombardier Challenger 601 vs Gulfstream GIII
The Gulfstream III and Bombardier (Canadair) Challenger 601 are 1980s large-cabin heavies of different philosophy — the GIII is the long-range narrow-deep Gulfstream; the Challenger 601 is the wide-body short-to-mid-range heavy with the roomiest cabin cross-section of its era.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bombardier Challenger 601 | Gulfstream GIII |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,150 – $2,850,000 | $175,000 – $1,100,000 |
| Category | Large Cabin Jet | Large Cabin Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 12 | — |
| Cruise Speed | 435 kts (806 km/h) | — |
| Range | 3,500 nm (6,482 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 45,100 lbs (20,457 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 2,540.0 gal (9614 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 300.0 GPH (1136 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $900,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $600,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $4,200 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBombardier Challenger 601
Fuel$1,650/hr
Variable$4,200/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,440,000/yr
Gulfstream GIII
Which Should You Buy: Bombardier Challenger 601 or Gulfstream GIII?
Bottom line: Choose the GIII for genuine long-range intercontinental capability. Choose the Challenger 601 for the widest cabin at lower acquisition cost on shorter missions — accepting its shorter range and, like the GIII, older systems and engine economics.
Pick the Challenger 601 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,150 vs $175,000, you save ~$173,850.
- More inventory — 24 listings vs 3.
Pick the GIII if…
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 601 or Gulfstream GIII?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
Gulfstream GIII: from $375,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bombardier Challenger 601 and Gulfstream GIII?
Challenger 601 engine: General Electric CF34-1A.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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 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 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