Cessna Citation III vs Cessna Citation V

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna Citation III Cessna Citation V
Cessna Citation III
View 10 listings →
Median $1,137,500
Cessna Citation V
View 113 listings →
Median $2,100,000
Price Range $1,100,000 – $1,175,000 $397,500 – $4,500,000
Category Midsize Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 9
Cruise Speed 431 kts (798 km/h) 390 kts (722 km/h)
Range 2,054 nm (3,804 km) 1,800 nm (3,334 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg) 15,900 lbs (7,212 kg)
Useful Load 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg)
Fuel Capacity 500.0 gal (1892 L)
Fuel Burn 210.0 GPH (795 L/h) 140.0 GPH (530 L/h)
TBO 4,000 hrs 4,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000 $300,000
Annual Fixed $350,000 $300,000
Hourly Variable $2,800 $2,000
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation III

Fuel$1,155/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $910,000/yr

Cessna Citation V

Fuel$770/hr
Variable$2,000/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $700,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation III or Cessna Citation V?

Pick the Citation III if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 431 kts vs 390 kts.
  • Longer range — 2054 nm vs 1800 nm.

Pick the Citation V if…

  • Budget matters — from $397,500 vs $1,100,000, you save ~$702,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$2000/hr vs $2800/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1989 vs 1983.
  • More inventory — 113 listings vs 10.

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 III or Cessna Citation V?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation III cruises at 431 kts with 2,054 nm range. The Citation V cruises at 390 kts with 1,800 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation III and Cessna Citation V?
Seats: 10 vs 9. Cruise: 431 vs 390 kts. Range: 2054 vs 1800 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation III: about $2800/hr variable cost. Citation V: about $2000/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 III: 10 seats. Citation V: 9 seats / 4,250 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 III: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. Citation V: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000. 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