Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Cessna Citation CJ3
The Cessna Citation CJ3 and CJ4 are adjacent rungs of the CitationJet ladder, both single-pilot-capable light jets on Williams FJ44 power. The CJ3 is the lighter, lower-cost choice with great runway flexibility, while the CJ4 is the stretched flagship with more wing, additional cabin room, greater range, and higher speed.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $4,500,000 – $12,700,000 | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 420 kts (778 km/h) | 391 kts (724 km/h) |
| Range | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 581.0 gal (2199 L) | 438.0 gal (1658 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $325,000 | $275,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $385,000 | $335,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,150 | $1,850 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ4
Fuel$908/hr
Variable$2,150/hr
Annual Fixed$385,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$815,000/yr
Cessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ4 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for lower acquisition and operating costs with familiar single-pilot ease; pick the CJ4 for more speed, range, and cabin space. Mission length, budget, and cabin needs typically decide between these closely related CitationJet siblings.
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- Budget matters — from $4,500,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$250,000.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Faster cruise — 420 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2165 nm vs 1875 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2004.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2150/hr.
- More inventory — 73 listings vs 34.
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 CJ4 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ4 cruises at 420 kts with 2,165 nm range.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation CJ4: from $12,700,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ4 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 420 vs 391 kts.
Range: 2165 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ4: about $2150/hr variable cost.
Citation CJ3: about $1850/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 CJ4: 10 seats / 4,700 lb useful load.
Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 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 CJ4: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$325,000.
Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
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