Glasair III vs Vans RV-4
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Glasair III
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1977–2002
Vans RV-4
- For sale now
- 6
- Model years available
- 1987–2021
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Glasair III | Van's RV-4 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 1 |
| Serious | 1 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 100% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Glasair III | Van's RV-4 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $215,500 – $336,100 | $59,750 – $100,425 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 160 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 150 kts (278 km/h) |
| Range | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) | 510 nm (945 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Useful Load | 700 lbs (318 kg) | 600 lbs (272 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 7.5 GPH (28 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Glasair III or Van's RV-4?
Pick the III if…
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 150 kts.
- Longer range — 1100 nm vs 510 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1979.
Pick the RV-4 if…
- Budget matters — from $59,750 vs $215,500, you save ~$155,750.
- More inventory — 10 listings vs 4.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Glasair III or Van's RV-4?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The III cruises at 190 kts with 1,100 nm range.
The RV-4 cruises at 150 kts with 510 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Glasair III: from $69,129.
Van's RV-4: from $104,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Glasair III and Van's RV-4?
Cruise: 190 vs 150 kts.
Range: 1100 vs 510 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
III: 2 seats / 700 lb useful load.
RV-4: 2 seats / 600 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?
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