Titan T-51 Mustang vs Vans RV-8

The Titan T-51 Mustang (¾-scale P-51 replica) and Van's RV-8 are tandem sport kits — the T-51 a warbird-styled scale Mustang, the RV-8 a high-performance all-round sport monoplane.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Titan T-51 Mustang
For sale now
1
Model years available
2017–2017
Vans RV-8
For sale now
12
Median asking
$165,000
Range
$125,360–$239,615
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)Titan T-51 MustangVan's RV-8
All events—5
Serious—0
Fatal—2
Fatalities—3
% Fatal—40%
View full Titan T-51 Mustang NTSB record →View full Van's RV-8 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Titan T-51 Mustang Van's RV-8
Titan T-51 Mustang
View 1 listings →
Vans RV-8
View 14 listings →
Median $165,000
Price Range — $125,360 – $239,615
Category Experimental Experimental
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Horsepower 100 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 120 kts (222 km/h) 173 kts (320 km/h)
Range 500 nm (926 km) 686 nm (1,270 km)
Service Ceiling 15,000 ft (4,572 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 6.0 GPH (23 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

Estimate

Titan T-51 Mustang

Fuel$33/hr

Van's RV-8

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $30,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Titan T-51 Mustang or Van's RV-8?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-8 for outright performance, value and the huge Van's community; choose the Titan T-51 for warbird looks and the Mustang experience at sport-kit cost (verify build quality/engine). RV-8 = performance/community; T-51 = warbird-looks.

Pick the T-51 Mustang if…

Pick the RV-8 if…

  • Faster cruise — 173 kts vs 120 kts.
  • Longer range — 686 nm vs 500 nm.
  • More inventory — 14 listings vs 1.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Titan T-51 Mustang or Van's RV-8?
It depends on your mission and budget. The T-51 Mustang cruises at 120 kts with 500 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?
Van's RV-8: from $198,067. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Titan T-51 Mustang and Van's RV-8?
Cruise: 120 vs 173 kts. Range: 500 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?
T-51 Mustang: 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