Gulfstream G450 vs Gulfstream GIV

The Gulfstream G450 is, in many ways, the answer to a question Gulfstream customers were asking: what if we updated the GIV-SP with modern avionics and improved engines without redesigning the entire aircraft? The G450 entered service in 2004 as an evolution of the GIV-SP platform — same basic fuselage cross-section, same cabin layout, but updated PlaneView cockpit, Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8C engines, and FAA certification for the glass-panel avionics the GIV was never designed around. The cross-shop is clear: GIV buyers and G450 buyers are evaluating essentially the same cabin separated by cockpit generation.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Gulfstream G450
For sale now
36
Median asking
$9,995,000
Range
$3,944,760–$16,222,750
Model years available
2004–2017
Gulfstream GIV
For sale now
63
Model years available
1988–2005

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)Gulfstream G450Gulfstream GIV
All events—9
Serious—0
Fatal—2
Fatalities—12
% Fatal—22%
View full Gulfstream G450 NTSB record →View full Gulfstream GIV NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Gulfstream G450 Gulfstream GIV
Gulfstream G450
View 37 listings →
Median $9,995,000
 Gulfstream GIV
View 65 listings →
Median $4,495,000
Price Range $3,944,760 – $16,222,750 $1,534,250 – $5,424,250
Category Large Cabin Jet Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 16 14
Cruise Speed 476 kts (882 km/h) 488 kts (904 km/h)
Range 4,350 nm (8,056 km) 4,220 nm (7,815 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 74,600 lbs (33,839 kg) 73,200 lbs (33,204 kg)
Useful Load 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg) 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg)
Fuel Capacity 4,370.0 gal (16540 L) —
Fuel Burn 340.0 GPH (1287 L/h) 400.0 GPH (1514 L/h)
TBO 6,000 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $700,000 —
Annual Fixed $600,000 —
Hourly Variable $3,600 —
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Gulfstream G450

Fuel$1,870/hr
Variable$3,600/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,320,000/yr

Gulfstream GIV

Fuel$2,200/hr

Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream G450 or Gulfstream GIV?

Bottom line: Choose the GIV at the right price — if the delta between a well-equipped late-model GIV and an early G450 exceeds what the avionics modernization is worth to your operation, the GIV's mission capability at lower capital outlay is rational. Many GIV operators have retrofitted glass avionics that close some of the gap. Choose the G450 for factory-integrated PlaneView glass, standard HUD, and the slightly improved performance of the 611-8C engine variant. The G450's avionics integration is far cleaner than any GIV retrofit and brings Cat IIIa ILS, datalink, and SVS into a coherent package. Safety axis: the G450's dual HUD installation significantly reduces controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) risk on approaches — CFIT remains a statistical risk in large-cabin jets operating internationally, and factory HUD integration on the G450 is meaningfully better than the equivalent GIV with aftermarket HUD.

Pick the G450 if…

  • More seats — 16 vs 14.
  • Longer range — 4350 nm vs 4220 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1985.

Pick the GIV if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,534,250 vs $3,944,760, you save ~$2,410,510.
  • Faster cruise — 488 kts vs 476 kts.
  • More inventory — 65 listings vs 37.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the G450 the same airplane as the GIV?
Related but not identical. The G450 descends from the GIV-SP and shares the basic fuselage and cabin geometry, but it was re-certificated with the PlaneView avionics suite (Honeywell Primus Epic-based), new engine variants, and revised avionics architecture. Gulfstream positioned the G450 as a mid-cycle upgrade rather than a clean-sheet design. The G450's certification is separate from the GIV type certificate.
What avionics are standard on the Gulfstream G450?
The G450 is equipped with the Gulfstream PlaneView cockpit — four 14" LCD primary flight displays, dual HUDs with optional SVS overlay, TCAS II, Category IIIa ILS capability, and integrated datalink for oceanic routing. This is substantially more capable than a standard GIV avionics package designed around early EFIS displays. The G450 also integrates EGPWS as a standard fitting.
What range does the G450 achieve compared to the GIV?
The G450 is certified for 4,350 nm NBAA IFR range — modestly better than the GIV's 4,220 nm. In practice, the operational range difference is small; both cover transatlantic missions comfortably. The G450's advantage over the GIV is primarily avionics integration, not range. For range-priority buyers, the G550 and G650 are the correct comparison.
Which is better, Gulfstream G450 or Gulfstream GIV?
It depends on your mission and budget. The G450 cruises at 476 kts with 4,350 nm range. The GIV cruises at 488 kts with 4,220 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Gulfstream G450: from $9,950,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Gulfstream G450 and Gulfstream GIV?
Seats: 16 vs 14. Cruise: 476 vs 488 kts. Range: 4350 vs 4220 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G450: about $3600/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. GIV: 14 seats / 14,000 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?
G450: 6,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$700,000. 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