Cessna Citation X vs Gulfstream G450
The Cessna Citation X and Gulfstream G450 occupy different tiers. The AE3007-powered Citation X is a swept-wing super-midsize jet and one of the fastest civil aircraft, built for speed over fewer passengers, while the G450 is a large-cabin, long-range heavy jet with a stand-up walk-around cabin and transcontinental-plus reach.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation X | Gulfstream G450 |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $3,750,000 – $11,200,000 | $8,750,000 – $17,800,000 |
| Category | Super-Midsize Jet | Large Cabin Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 12 | 16 |
| Cruise Speed | 480 kts (889 km/h) | 476 kts (882 km/h) |
| Range | 3,070 nm (5,686 km) | 4,350 nm (8,056 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 36,100 lbs (16,375 kg) | 74,600 lbs (33,839 kg) |
| Useful Load | 6,800 lbs (3,084 kg) | 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,050.0 gal (3974 L) | 4,370.0 gal (16540 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 260.0 GPH (984 L/h) | 340.0 GPH (1287 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 6,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $600,000 | $700,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $500,000 | $600,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $3,800 | $3,600 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation X
Fuel$1,430/hr
Variable$3,800/hr
Annual Fixed$500,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,260,000/yr
Gulfstream G450
Fuel$1,870/hr
Variable$3,600/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,320,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation X or Gulfstream G450?
Bottom line: Choose the Citation X for outright speed and lower operating costs in a super-midsize package; pick the G450 for a large cabin, long range, and heavy-jet comfort. Range, cabin class, and operating economics typically decide this cross-tier pairing.
Pick the Citation X if…
- Budget matters — from $3,750,000 vs $8,750,000, you save ~$5,000,000.
- Faster cruise — 480 kts vs 476 kts.
Pick the G450 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$3600/hr vs $3800/hr.
- More seats — 16 vs 12.
- Longer range — 4350 nm vs 3070 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1996.
- More inventory — 39 listings vs 36.
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 X or Gulfstream G450?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation X cruises at 480 kts with 3,070 nm range.
The G450 cruises at 476 kts with 4,350 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 X and Gulfstream G450?
Seats: 12 vs 16.
Cruise: 480 vs 476 kts.
Range: 3070 vs 4350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation X: about $3800/hr variable cost.
G450: about $3600/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 X: 12 seats / 6,800 lb useful load.
G450: 16 seats / 22,000 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 X: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$600,000.
G450: 6,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$700,000.
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