Gulfstream G450 vs Cessna Citation X
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 | Gulfstream G450 | Cessna Citation X |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $8,750,000 – $17,750,000 | $3,750,000 – $11,200,000 |
| Category | Large Cabin Jet | Super-Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 16 | 12 |
| Cruise Speed | 476 kts (882 km/h) | 480 kts (889 km/h) |
| Range | 4,350 nm (8,056 km) | 3,070 nm (5,686 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 74,600 lbs (33,839 kg) | 36,100 lbs (16,375 kg) |
| Useful Load | 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg) | 6,800 lbs (3,084 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4,370.0 gal (16540 L) | 1,050.0 gal (3974 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 340.0 GPH (1287 L/h) | 260.0 GPH (984 L/h) |
| TBO | 6,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $700,000 | $600,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $600,000 | $500,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $3,600 | $3,800 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateGulfstream G450
Fuel$1,870/hr
Variable$3,600/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,320,000/yr
Cessna Citation X
Fuel$1,430/hr
Variable$3,800/hr
Annual Fixed$500,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,260,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream G450 or Cessna Citation X?
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 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 — 42 listings vs 35.
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.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Gulfstream G450 or Cessna Citation X?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The G450 cruises at 476 kts with 4,350 nm range.
The Citation X cruises at 480 kts with 3,070 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 Gulfstream G450 and Cessna Citation X?
Seats: 16 vs 12.
Cruise: 476 vs 480 kts.
Range: 4350 vs 3070 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G450: about $3600/hr variable cost.
Citation X: about $3800/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?
G450: 16 seats / 22,000 lb useful load.
Citation X: 12 seats / 6,800 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?
G450: 6,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$700,000.
Citation X: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$600,000.
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