Cessna Citation III vs Cessna Citation CJ3
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation III | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,100,000 – $1,175,000 | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 431 kts (798 km/h) | 391 kts (724 km/h) |
| Range | 2,054 nm (3,804 km) | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg) | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 438.0 gal (1658 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 210.0 GPH (795 L/h) | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $275,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $335,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,800 | $1,850 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation III
Fuel$1,155/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$910,000/yr
Cessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation III or Cessna Citation CJ3?
Pick the Citation III if…
- Budget matters — from $1,100,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$3,650,000.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Faster cruise — 431 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2054 nm vs 1875 nm.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2800/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1983.
- More inventory — 73 listings vs 11.
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 CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation III cruises at 431 kts with 2,054 nm range.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation III: from $1,100,000.
Cessna Citation CJ3: from $4,750,000.
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 CJ3?
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 431 vs 391 kts.
Range: 2054 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation III: about $2800/hr variable cost.
Citation CJ3: about $1850/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 CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 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 CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
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