Cessna Citation II vs Cessna Citation V Ultra

The Cessna Citation V is what Cessna did when they asked "how do we make the Citation II significantly better without abandoning what worked?" The answer, introduced in 1989 as the Model 560, was a stretched fuselage, stronger JT15D-5 engines, a more modern interior, and better high-altitude performance — while keeping the straight-wing, docile-handling character that made the II a hit with owner-pilots. The Citation II (Model 550) is the original, produced from 1978 with JT15D-4 engines. The cross-shop today is generational: the II has more buyers in its price bracket but the V offers meaningful improvements. Are those improvements worth paying for?

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna Citation II
For sale now
63
Median asking
$770,000
Range
$351,775–$2,295,250
Model years available
1977–1992
Cessna Citation V Ultra
For sale now
40
Median asking
$1,750,000
Range
$480,750–$2,154,000
Model years available
1989–1999

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 II Cessna Citation V Ultra
Cessna Citation II
View 65 listings →
Median $770,000
 Cessna Citation V Ultra
View 41 listings →
Median $1,750,000
Price Range $351,775 – $2,295,250 $480,750 – $2,154,000
Category Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 8
Cruise Speed 345 kts (639 km/h) 430 kts (796 km/h)
Range 1,600 nm (2,963 km) 1,960 nm (3,630 km)
Service Ceiling 43,000 ft (13,106 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 13,300 lbs (6,033 kg) 16,300 lbs (7,394 kg)
Useful Load 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Fuel Capacity 470.0 gal (1779 L) 487.0 gal (1843 L)
Fuel Burn 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) 155.0 GPH (587 L/h)
TBO 4,500 hrs 4,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000 $280,000
Annual Fixed $200,000 $280,000
Hourly Variable $2,200 $1,900
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation II

Fuel$688/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $640,000/yr

Cessna Citation V Ultra

Fuel$852/hr
Variable$1,900/hr
Annual Fixed$280,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $660,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation II or Cessna Citation V Ultra?

Bottom line: Choose the Citation II if you're entering the light jet world on a careful budget and have a Citation-specialist shop in your maintenance plan. The II's value has compressed and good examples can be found at compelling prices; the JT15D-4 engine, while older, is thoroughly understood. Choose the Citation V for the extra cabin — approximately 25% more volume in the V's stretched fuselage makes a noticeable difference for five to seven passengers, and the JT15D-5's improved climb and cruise performance allows more consistent flight-level routing. Safety axis: the Citation V's improved engine thrust gives meaningfully better single-engine performance at altitude — climb on one engine and the ability to maintain a safe altitude in cruise are real advantages of the stronger engine. Both aircraft are docile straight-wing designs with an excellent stall and handling record.

Pick the Citation II if…

  • Budget matters — from $351,775 vs $480,750, you save ~$128,975.
  • More seats — 10 vs 8.
  • More inventory — 65 listings vs 41.

Pick the Citation V Ultra if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$1900/hr vs $2200/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 430 kts vs 345 kts.
  • Longer range — 1960 nm vs 1600 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1978.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citation V the same as the Citation Ultra?
The Citation Ultra (Model 560 Ultra) is a refinement of the Citation V with Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5D engines and updated avionics — essentially the V taken to its development ceiling. The Ultra shares the same basic Model 560 airframe; the distinction is largely avionics and engine variant. Together, the V/Ultra series bridges the Citation II era to the modern Excel (560XL) platform, and the V/Ultra remains a popular used jet due to its competitive operating costs and cabin volume.
How many passengers can the Citation V carry compared to the Citation II?
Both aircraft nominally seat up to eight passengers in high-density configuration, but the Citation V's stretched fuselage makes eight-passenger missions more practical in real comfort terms. The II at eight passengers is tight; the V's additional 22 inches of cabin length allows club seating for four in the forward cabin with a true separate aft section. For typical four-to-six-passenger business missions, both work, but the V's interior quality is noticeably superior.
What is the range of the Citation V versus the Citation II?
The Citation V achieves approximately 1,600 nm NBAA IFR range compared to roughly 1,300 nm for the Citation II — a 300 nm improvement from stronger engines, slightly more fuel, and better airframe efficiency. In practice, this difference matters most on 900–1,000 nm legs where the II requires a fuel stop and the V does not. For typical US domestic short-haul operations (500–700 nm), both aircraft accomplish the mission in one leg.
Which is better, Cessna Citation II or Cessna Citation V Ultra?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation II cruises at 345 kts with 1,600 nm range. The Citation V Ultra cruises at 430 kts with 1,960 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation II: from $839,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation II and Cessna Citation V Ultra?
Citation II engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-4B. Citation V Ultra engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-5D. Seats: 10 vs 8. Cruise: 345 vs 430 kts. Range: 1600 vs 1960 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation II: about $2200/hr variable cost. Citation V Ultra: about $1900/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 II: 10 seats / 4,000 lb useful load. Citation V Ultra: 8 seats / 4,000 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 II: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. Citation V Ultra: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$280,000. 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