Eclipse 500 vs Honda HondaJet

The Eclipse 500/550 and HondaJet HA-420 are efficient light/very-light jets — the Eclipse the lowest-cost twin VLJ, the HondaJet a faster, roomier light jet with over-wing engines.

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Eclipse 500 Honda HondaJet
Eclipse 500
View 19 listings →
Median $849,000
Honda HondaJet
View 35 listings →
Median $3,750,000
Price Range $300,000 – $1,895,000 $2,575,000 – $4,650,000
Category Very Light Jet Very Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 5 7
Cruise Speed 340 kts (630 km/h) 385 kts (713 km/h)
Range 1,125 nm (2,084 km) 1,437 nm (2,661 km)
Service Ceiling 41,000 ft (12,497 m) 43,000 ft (13,106 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,995 lbs (2,719 kg) 10,700 lbs (4,854 kg)
Useful Load 1,570 lbs (712 kg) 3,280 lbs (1,488 kg)
Fuel Capacity 202.0 gal (765 L) 292.0 gal (1105 L)
Fuel Burn 62.0 GPH (235 L/h) 95.0 GPH (360 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $200,000 $250,000
Annual Fixed $150,000 $250,000
Hourly Variable $900 $1,400
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Eclipse 500

Fuel$341/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$150,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $330,000/yr

Honda HondaJet

Fuel$522/hr
Variable$1,400/hr
Annual Fixed$250,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $530,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Eclipse 500 or Honda HondaJet?

Bottom line: Choose the Eclipse for the lowest cost of twin-jet ownership; choose the HondaJet for more speed, cabin and range (a step up in size/price). Eclipse = lowest-cost twin; HondaJet = speed/cabin. ================================================================ # CROSS-REFS ================================================================ - Cessna/Embraer/Cirrus/Honda mirrors in those files. Eclipse = lowest-cost twin-jet anchor in VLJ class.

Pick the 500 if…

  • Budget matters — from $300,000 vs $2,575,000, you save ~$2,275,000.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$900/hr vs $1400/hr.

Pick the HondaJet if…

  • More seats — 7 vs 5.
  • Faster cruise — 385 kts vs 340 kts.
  • Longer range — 1437 nm vs 1125 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2015 vs 2006.
  • More inventory — 35 listings vs 19.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Eclipse 500 or Honda HondaJet?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 500 cruises at 340 kts with 1,125 nm range. The HondaJet cruises at 385 kts with 1,437 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 Eclipse 500 and Honda HondaJet?
Seats: 5 vs 7. Cruise: 340 vs 385 kts. Range: 1125 vs 1437 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
500: about $900/hr variable cost. HondaJet: about $1400/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?
500: 5 seats / 1,570 lb useful load. HondaJet: 7 seats / 3,280 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?
500: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000. HondaJet: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. 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