Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Cirrus Vision SF50
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet are worlds apart. The twin-FJ44 CJ4 is the largest, fastest CitationJet, a true light jet with strong range, speed, and cabin room, while the single-engine SF50 is an owner-flown personal jet with a whole-airframe parachute, modest speed, and low operating costs.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation CJ4
- For sale now
- 29
- Model years available
- 2010–2024
Cirrus Vision SF50
- For sale now
- 42
- Median asking
- $2,999,950
- Range
- $1,035,000–$3,599,965
- Model years available
- 2016–2025
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 | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cirrus Vision SF50 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,937,500 – $12,687,500 | $1,035,000 – $3,599,965 |
| Category | Light Jet | Very Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 7 |
| Cruise Speed | 420 kts (778 km/h) | 311 kts (576 km/h) |
| Range | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) | 6,040 lbs (2,740 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) | 2,180 lbs (989 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 581.0 gal (2199 L) | 296.0 gal (1120 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 4,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $325,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $385,000 | $200,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,150 | $950 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 1 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
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 CJ4 or Cirrus Vision SF50?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ4 for genuine light-jet speed, range, and cabin capability on longer legs; pick the SF50 for single-engine economy, the parachute, and an easy step-up from a piston or turboprop. Mission, range, and operating budget decide this pairing.
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 7.
- Faster cruise — 420 kts vs 311 kts.
- Longer range — 2165 nm vs 1200 nm.
Pick the Vision SF50 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,035,000 vs $4,937,500, you save ~$3,902,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$950/hr vs $2150/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2016 vs 2010.
- More inventory — 53 listings vs 39.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Citation CJ4 and Vision SF50?
Class and engine count. The CJ4 is a twin-engine mid-light jet — two Williams FJ44-4A engines, up to ten seats, ~453 kt cruise, ~2,165 nm range, single-pilot certified. The SF50 is a single-engine personal jet — one Williams FJ33-5A, up to five seats, ~300 kt cruise, ~1,200 nm range, with the CAPS airframe parachute. The CJ4 is a significantly larger, faster, longer-range aircraft.
SF50 or CJ4 — which jet?
Buy the SF50 if personal-jet entry for one-to-four passengers on shorter legs (under 1,000 nm) is the mission and acquisition cost is the primary constraint. Buy the CJ4 if ten seats, ~2,165 nm range, ~453 kt cruise, and the capability of a true mid-light twin are required. These aircraft serve very different markets — the SF50 is the lowest-cost jet entry; the CJ4 is a capable business jet for demanding missions.
Is the SF50 a serious alternative to the CJ4?
For owner-pilots flying solo or with one or two passengers on legs under 800 nm, the SF50 covers the mission at a lower acquisition cost. For any mission requiring more than four passengers, over 1,200 nm, or more than ~300 kt cruise, the SF50 cannot substitute for the CJ4. They are not the same class of aircraft.
How do specs compare?
SF50: one Williams FJ33-5A, up to five seats, single engine, ~300 kt, ~1,200 nm, CAPS. CJ4: two Williams FJ44-4A, up to ten seats, twin engine, ~453 kt, ~2,165 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The SF50 is substantially less expensive — one small engine versus two larger ones, dramatically lower fuel burn, and lower acquisition depreciation. The CJ4's twin-engine operating cost reflects its capability tier. For pilots who fly the SF50's envelope, its operating economics are superior; the CJ4 earns its cost through range, speed, and capacity.
Which should I buy?
SF50 for the Cirrus-ecosystem graduate who wants personal-jet entry at the lowest cost — short legs, few passengers, CAPS backup. CJ4 when genuine mid-light jet missions are the requirement: multiple passengers, 1,500-plus nm range, and 450-plus kt cruise. Don't buy a CJ4 for SF50 missions, or an SF50 for CJ4 missions.
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ4 or Cirrus Vision SF50?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ4 cruises at 420 kts with 2,165 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?
Cessna Citation CJ4: from $6,150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ4 and Cirrus Vision SF50?
Citation CJ4 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-4A.
Seats: 10 vs 7.
Cruise: 420 vs 311 kts.
Range: 2165 vs 1200 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ4: about $2150/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 CJ4: 10 seats / 4,700 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 CJ4: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$325,000.
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