Cessna Citation I vs Eclipse 500
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation I | Eclipse 500 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $330,000 – $1,567,243 | $300,000 – $1,895,000 |
| Category | Very Light Jet | Very Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Cruise Speed | 350 kts (648 km/h) | 340 kts (630 km/h) |
| Range | 1,500 nm (2,778 km) | 1,125 nm (2,084 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 5,995 lbs (2,719 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,570 lbs (712 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 202.0 gal (765 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 62.0 GPH (235 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $150,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $900 |
| Engines | 2 x | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation I
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…
- More seats — 7 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 350 kts vs 340 kts.
- Longer range — 1500 nm vs 1125 nm.
- More inventory — 24 listings vs 19.
Pick the 500 if…
- Budget matters — from $300,000 vs $330,000, you save ~$30,000.
- 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 340 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 $399,950.
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?
Seats: 7 vs 5.
Cruise: 350 vs 340 kts.
Range: 1500 vs 1125 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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.
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?
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data