Robinson R44 vs Guimbal CABRI G2
The Robinson R44 and Guimbal Cabri G2 are often cross-shopped by buyers weighing seats against modern design. The R44 is a proven four-seat piston; the Cabri G2 is a newer two-seat trainer with a crashworthy airframe and a shrouded Fenestron tail rotor.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 | Guimbal Cabri G2 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,292 – $899,999 | $282,513 – $1,727,656 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 145 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 380 nm (704 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 1,543 lbs (700 kg) |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 530 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 48.0 gal (182 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Guimbal Cabri G2
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 or Guimbal CABRI G2?
Bottom line: pick the R44 if you need four seats, more speed and a far larger used market at a lower entry price (~$25K vs ~$283K). Pick the Cabri G2 if you specifically want a modern two-seat trainer with its newer-generation safety features — but note it carries only two and costs more used.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $23,292 vs $282,513, you save ~$259,221.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 100 kts.
- More inventory — 492 listings vs 17.
Pick the CABRI G2 if…
- Longer range — 380 nm vs 300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2008 vs 1993.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Robinson R44 or Guimbal Cabri G2?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
The Cabri G2 cruises at 100 kts with 380 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 and Guimbal CABRI G2?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
CABRI G2 engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (145 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 110 vs 100 kts.
Range: 300 vs 380 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/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?
R44: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load.
CABRI G2: 2 seats / 530 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?
R44: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
CABRI G2: 2,200-hour TBO.
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