Bombardier Challenger 604 vs Bombardier Challenger 605

The Bombardier Challenger 604 and the Challenger 605 are consecutive generations of Bombardier's wide-cabin Challenger — and the 604 vs 605 choice is a proven original versus its updated successor. The 604 set the standard for a wide, flat-floor large-cabin twin with transcontinental range. The 605 built on it with updated avionics, larger windows and a bit more range. Where each trades on the used market is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Bombardier Challenger 604
For sale now
24
Model years available
1996–2006
Bombardier Challenger 605
For sale now
19
Model years available
2007–2023

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bombardier Challenger 604 Bombardier Challenger 605
Bombardier Challenger 604
View 28 listings →
Median $5,700,000
 Bombardier Challenger 605
View 21 listings →
Median $12,000,000
Price Range $4,097,500 – $6,712,250 $12,000,000
Category Large Cabin Jet Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 12 12
Cruise Speed 450 kts (833 km/h) 450 kts (833 km/h)
Range 4,077 nm (7,551 km) 4,045 nm (7,491 km)
Service Ceiling 41,000 ft (12,497 m) 41,000 ft (12,497 m)
Max Gross Weight 48,200 lbs (21,864 kg) 48,200 lbs (21,864 kg)
Useful Load 13,000 lbs (5,897 kg) 13,000 lbs (5,897 kg)
Fuel Capacity 2,850.0 gal (10787 L) 2,850.0 gal (10787 L)
Fuel Burn 310.0 GPH (1173 L/h) 310.0 GPH (1173 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $600,000 $600,000
Annual Fixed $600,000 $650,000
Hourly Variable $3,800 $3,900
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bombardier Challenger 604

Fuel$1,705/hr
Variable$3,800/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,360,000/yr

Bombardier Challenger 605

Fuel$1,705/hr
Variable$3,900/hr
Annual Fixed$650,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,430,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bombardier Challenger 604 or Bombardier Challenger 605?

Bottom line: Choose the 604 for proven wide-cabin capability at a lower price — a durable, well-supported large-cabin twin that still crosses the country in comfort. Choose the 605 for the updates — newer avionics, larger cabin windows and a little more range, for a step up in cost. On safety both are twin-engine large-cabin jets with engine-out redundancy and strong records; the difference is avionics and refinement, not safety. The 604 is the value buy; the 605 is the refreshed successor.

Pick the Challenger 604 if…

  • Budget matters — from $4,097,500 vs $12,000,000, you save ~$7,902,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$3800/hr vs $3900/hr.
  • Longer range — 4077 nm vs 4045 nm.
  • More inventory — 28 listings vs 21.

Pick the Challenger 605 if…

  • Newer design — production from 2007 vs 1996.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Challenger 604 and 605?
The 605 is the updated successor — newer avionics, larger windows and slightly more range — on the same wide-cabin airframe. The 604 is the proven original at a lower cost.
Do they have the same cabin?
Essentially yes — both share the wide, flat-floor Challenger cabin; the 605 added larger windows and cabin updates, but the size and comfort are very similar.
Which is the better value?
The 604 carries a lower price for proven capability; the 605 commands a premium for its avionics and refinements. Condition and maintenance status matter most on either.
Which is better, Bombardier Challenger 604 or Bombardier Challenger 605?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Challenger 604 cruises at 450 kts with 4,077 nm range. The Challenger 605 cruises at 450 kts with 4,045 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bombardier Challenger 604: from $5,999,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bombardier Challenger 604 and Bombardier Challenger 605?
Challenger 604 engine: General Electric CF34-3B. Challenger 605 engine: General Electric CF34-3B. Cruise: 450 vs 450 kts. Range: 4077 vs 4045 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Challenger 604: about $3800/hr variable cost. Challenger 605: about $3900/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 604: 12 seats / 13,000 lb useful load. Challenger 605: 12 seats / 13,000 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 604: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$600,000. Challenger 605: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$600,000. 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