Lancair IV-P vs Vans RV-6
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
- Model years available
- 1995–2009
Vans RV-6
- For sale now
- 9
- Median asking
- $110,000
- Range
- $83,800–$132,600
- Model years available
- 1992–2016
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 | Van's RV-6 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 3 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 3 | 2 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Lancair IV-P | Van's RV-6 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $255,850 – $673,750 | $83,800 – $132,600 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 350 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 290 kts (537 km/h) | 166 kts (307 km/h) |
| Range | 1,347 nm (2,495 km) | 630 nm (1,167 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 620 lbs (281 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $22,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $90 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 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
Van's RV-6
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$90/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$28,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Lancair IV-P or Van's RV-6?
Pick the IV-P if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 290 kts vs 166 kts.
- Longer range — 1347 nm vs 630 nm.
- More inventory — 14 listings vs 13.
Pick the RV-6 if…
- Budget matters — from $83,800 vs $255,850, you save ~$172,050.
- Lower operating cost — ~$90/hr vs $180/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1986 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 Van's RV-6?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The IV-P cruises at 290 kts with 1,347 nm range.
The RV-6 cruises at 166 kts with 630 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Lancair IV-P: from $375,000.
Van's RV-6: from $85,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Lancair IV-P and Van's RV-6?
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 290 vs 166 kts.
Range: 1347 vs 630 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
IV-P: about $180/hr variable cost.
RV-6: about $90/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: 4 seats / 1,200 lb useful load.
RV-6: 2 seats / 620 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?
IV-P: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
RV-6: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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