Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cirrus Vision SF50
The Cirrus SF50 (single-engine personal jet, ~311 kt, CAPS) and Cessna CitationJet CJ3 (twin light jet, ~417 kt) are different-class aircraft — the SF50 is owner-pilot personal-jet; the CJ3 is a true light jet for ~7-8 passengers.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Cirrus Vision SF50 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 | $470,000 – $3,650,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Very Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 7 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 311 kts (576 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 6,040 lbs (2,740 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 2,180 lbs (989 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 296.0 gal (1120 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 4,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $200,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $950 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 1 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Cirrus Vision SF50
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$950/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$390,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cirrus Vision SF50?
Bottom line: Choose the SF50 for owner-pilot personal-jet simplicity. Step up to the CJ3 for a real light jet — twin engines, much higher cruise, 1,800 nm range and stand-up cabin — at multiples of SF50 acquisition and operating cost.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 7.
- Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 311 kts.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1200 nm.
- More inventory — 62 listings vs 48.
Pick the Vision SF50 if…
- Budget matters — from $470,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$4,280,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$950/hr vs $1850/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2016 vs 2004.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cirrus Vision SF50?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
The Vision SF50 cruises at 311 kts with 1,200 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 Cessna Citation CJ3 and Cirrus Vision SF50?
Seats: 9 vs 7.
Cruise: 391 vs 311 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 1200 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
Vision SF50: about $950/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?
Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load.
Vision SF50: 7 seats / 2,180 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?
Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
Vision SF50: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
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