Lancair IV-P vs Vans RV-12IS
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Lancair IV-P
- For sale now
- 16
- Median asking
- $355,000
- Range
- $255,850–$673,750
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 6
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1995–2009
Vans RV-12IS
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $132,500
- Range
- $79,250–$194,499
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 2019–2025
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 IV-P | Vans RV-12IS |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 3 | — |
| % Fatal | 50% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Lancair IV-P | Vans RV-12IS |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $255,850 – $673,750 | $79,250 – $194,499 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | 220 kts (407 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 1,347 nm (2,495 km) | 505 nm (935 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,320 lbs (599 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLancair IV-P
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Vans RV-12IS
Which Should You Buy: Lancair IV-P or Vans RV-12IS?
Pick the IV-P if…
- Faster cruise — 220 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 1347 nm vs 505 nm.
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 11.
Pick the RV-12IS if…
- Budget matters — from $79,250 vs $255,850, you save ~$176,600.
- Newer design — production from 2018 vs 1979.
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 IV-P or Vans RV-12IS?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The IV-P cruises at 220 kts with 1,347 nm range.
The RV-12IS cruises at 117 kts with 505 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Lancair IV-P: from $275,000.
Vans RV-12IS: from $122,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Lancair IV-P and Vans RV-12IS?
Cruise: 220 vs 117 kts.
Range: 1347 vs 505 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
IV-P: about $180/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?
IV-P: 2 seats.
RV-12IS: 2 seats.
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?
IV-P: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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