Bombardier Challenger 601 vs Gulfstream GIII

The Gulfstream III and Bombardier (Canadair) Challenger 601 are 1980s large-cabin heavies of different philosophy — the GIII is the long-range narrow-deep Gulfstream; the Challenger 601 is the wide-body short-to-mid-range heavy with the roomiest cabin cross-section of its era.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Bombardier Challenger 601
For sale now
26
Model years available
1982–1995
Gulfstream GIII
For sale now
4
Model years available
1980–1986

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bombardier Challenger 601 Gulfstream GIII
Bombardier Challenger 601
View 25 listings →
Median $1,750,000
 Gulfstream GIII
View 4 listings →
Median $375,000
Price Range $325,862 – $2,662,500 $195,000 – $1,027,500
Category Large Cabin Jet Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 12 14
Cruise Speed 435 kts (806 km/h) 480 kts (889 km/h)
Range 3,500 nm (6,482 km) 3,600 nm (6,667 km)
Service Ceiling 41,000 ft (12,497 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 45,100 lbs (20,457 kg) —
Useful Load 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) 13,000 lbs (5,897 kg)
Fuel Capacity 2,540.0 gal (9614 L) —
Fuel Burn 300.0 GPH (1136 L/h) 430.0 GPH (1628 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $900,000 —
Annual Fixed $600,000 —
Hourly Variable $4,200 —
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bombardier Challenger 601

Fuel$1,650/hr
Variable$4,200/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,440,000/yr

Gulfstream GIII

Fuel$2,365/hr

Which Should You Buy: Bombardier Challenger 601 or Gulfstream GIII?

Bottom line: Choose the GIII for genuine long-range intercontinental capability. Choose the Challenger 601 for the widest cabin at lower acquisition cost on shorter missions — accepting its shorter range and, like the GIII, older systems and engine economics.

Pick the Challenger 601 if…

  • More inventory — 25 listings vs 4.

Pick the GIII if…

  • Budget matters — from $195,000 vs $325,862, you save ~$130,862.
  • More seats — 14 vs 12.
  • Faster cruise — 480 kts vs 435 kts.
  • Longer range — 3600 nm vs 3500 nm.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Bombardier Challenger 601 or Gulfstream GIII?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Challenger 601 cruises at 435 kts with 3,500 nm range. The GIII cruises at 480 kts with 3,600 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Gulfstream GIII: from $1,100,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bombardier Challenger 601 and Gulfstream GIII?
Challenger 601 engine: General Electric CF34-1A. Seats: 12 vs 14. Cruise: 435 vs 480 kts. Range: 3500 vs 3600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Challenger 601: about $4200/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?
Challenger 601: 12 seats / 12,000 lb useful load. GIII: 14 seats / 13,000 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?
Challenger 601: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$900,000. 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data