Cessna Citation I vs Eclipse 500
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna Citation I
- For sale now
- 35
- Median asking
- $790,000
- Range
- $348,000–$1,423,013
- Model years available
- 1972–2014
Eclipse 500
- For sale now
- 20
- Model years available
- 2007–2010
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
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation I | Eclipse 500 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $348,000 – $1,423,013 | $409,800 – $1,447,000 |
| Category | Very Light Jet | Very Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Cruise Speed | 350 kts (648 km/h) | 370 kts (685 km/h) |
| Range | 1,500 nm (2,778 km) | 1,125 nm (2,084 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 11,850 lbs (5,375 kg) | 5,995 lbs (2,719 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | 1,570 lbs (712 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 229.0 gal (867 L) | 202.0 gal (765 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 110.0 GPH (416 L/h) | 62.0 GPH (235 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $200,000 | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $180,000 | $150,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,400 | $900 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation I
Fuel$605/hr
Variable$1,400/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$460,000/yr
Eclipse 500
Fuel$341/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$150,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$330,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation I or Eclipse 500?
Pick the Citation I if…
- Budget matters — from $348,000 vs $409,800, you save ~$61,800.
- More seats — 7 vs 5.
- Longer range — 1500 nm vs 1125 nm.
- More inventory — 34 listings vs 19.
Pick the 500 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$900/hr vs $1400/hr.
- Faster cruise — 370 kts vs 350 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2006 vs 1971.
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 I or Eclipse 500?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation I cruises at 350 kts with 1,500 nm range.
The 500 cruises at 370 kts with 1,125 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation I: from $550,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation I and Eclipse 500?
Citation I engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-1A.
Seats: 7 vs 5.
Cruise: 350 vs 370 kts.
Range: 1500 vs 1125 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation I: about $1400/hr variable cost.
500: about $900/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 I: 7 seats / 3,000 lb useful load.
500: 5 seats / 1,570 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 I: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000.
500: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data