Lancair 360 vs Vans RV-8
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Lancair 360
- For sale now
- 4
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1990–2001
Vans RV-8
- For sale now
- 12
- Median asking
- $165,000
- Range
- $125,360–$239,615
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 2001–2021
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) | Lancair 360 | Vans RV-8 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 10 | 5 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 7 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 11 | 3 |
| % Fatal | 70% | 40% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Lancair 360 | Vans RV-8 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $83,300 – $160,700 | $125,360 – $239,615 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 220 kts (407 km/h) | 173 kts (320 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 686 nm (1,270 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Useful Load | 600 lbs (272 kg) | 640 lbs (290 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLancair 360
Fuel$55/hr
Vans RV-8
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$30,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Lancair 360 or Vans RV-8?
Pick the 360 if…
- Budget matters — from $83,300 vs $125,360, you save ~$42,060.
- Faster cruise — 220 kts vs 173 kts.
- Longer range — 1000 nm vs 686 nm.
Pick the RV-8 if…
- More inventory — 14 listings vs 6.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Lancair 360 or Vans RV-8?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 360 cruises at 220 kts with 1,000 nm range.
The RV-8 cruises at 173 kts with 686 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Lancair 360: from $79,000.
Vans RV-8: from $197,738.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Lancair 360 and Vans RV-8?
Cruise: 220 vs 173 kts.
Range: 1000 vs 686 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-8: about $100/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?
360: 2 seats / 600 lb useful load.
RV-8: 2 seats / 640 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?
RV-8: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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