Cessna Citation Mustang vs Eclipse 500
The Eclipse 500/550 and Cessna Citation Mustang are entry very light jets — the Eclipse a twin-engine, very fast, fuel-efficient VLJ; the Mustang the Cessna-backed turnkey VLJ.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation Mustang | Eclipse 500 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $578,263 – $5,995,000 | $300,000 – $1,895,000 |
| Category | Jets | Very Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cruise Speed | 310 kts (574 km/h) | 340 kts (630 km/h) |
| Range | 1,150 nm (2,130 km) | 1,125 nm (2,084 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,645 lbs (3,921 kg) | 5,995 lbs (2,719 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,260 lbs (1,025 kg) | 1,570 lbs (712 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 252.0 gal (954 L) | 202.0 gal (765 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 88.0 GPH (333 L/h) | 62.0 GPH (235 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $220,000 | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $200,000 | $150,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,300 | $900 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation Mustang
Fuel$484/hr
Variable$1,300/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/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 Mustang or Eclipse 500?
Bottom line: Choose the Eclipse for the lowest acquisition/operating cost twin jet, high speed and fuel efficiency; choose the Citation Mustang for the Cessna/Textron support network, proven dispatch reliability and stronger resale. Eclipse = cost/speed/efficiency; Mustang = support/resale.
Pick the Citation Mustang if…
- Longer range — 1150 nm vs 1125 nm.
- More inventory — 180 listings vs 19.
Pick the 500 if…
- Budget matters — from $300,000 vs $578,263, you save ~$278,263.
- Lower operating cost — ~$900/hr vs $1300/hr.
- Faster cruise — 340 kts vs 310 kts.
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 Mustang or Eclipse 500?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation Mustang cruises at 310 kts with 1,150 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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation Mustang and Eclipse 500?
Cruise: 310 vs 340 kts.
Range: 1150 vs 1125 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation Mustang: about $1300/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 Mustang: 5 seats / 2,260 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 Mustang: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$220,000.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data