Cirrus Vision SF50 vs Cessna Citation CJ3
The Cirrus SF50 (single-engine personal jet, ~311 kt, CAPS) and Cessna CitationJet CJ3 (twin light jet, ~417 kt) are different-class aircraft — the SF50 is owner-pilot personal-jet; the CJ3 is a true light jet for ~7-8 passengers.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cirrus Vision SF50 | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $470,000 – $3,650,000 | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 |
| Category | Very Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 311 kts (576 km/h) | 391 kts (724 km/h) |
| Range | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 6,040 lbs (2,740 kg) | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,180 lbs (989 kg) | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 296.0 gal (1120 L) | 438.0 gal (1658 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | $275,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $200,000 | $335,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $950 | $1,850 |
| Engines | 1 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus Vision SF50
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$950/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$390,000/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: Cirrus Vision SF50 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
Bottom line: Choose the SF50 for owner-pilot personal-jet simplicity. Step up to the CJ3 for a real light jet — twin engines, much higher cruise, 1,800 nm range and stand-up cabin — at multiples of SF50 acquisition and operating cost.
Pick the Vision SF50 if…
- Budget matters — from $470,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$4,280,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$950/hr vs $1850/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2016 vs 2004.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 7.
- Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 311 kts.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1200 nm.
- More inventory — 73 listings vs 63.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cirrus Vision SF50 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Vision SF50 cruises at 311 kts with 1,200 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?
Cirrus Vision SF50: from $2,599,000.
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 Cirrus Vision SF50 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
Seats: 7 vs 9.
Cruise: 311 vs 391 kts.
Range: 1200 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Vision SF50: about $950/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?
Vision SF50: 7 seats / 2,180 lb useful load.
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?
Vision SF50: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
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