Vans RV-6 vs Vans RV-7

The Van's RV-6 and RV-7 are predecessor and successor side-by-side two-seaters — the RV-6 is the hugely popular 1980s-90s design; the RV-7 is the refined successor with a larger cabin, more fuel and a tip-up/slider canopy.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Vans RV-6
For sale now
9
Median asking
$110,000
Range
$83,800–$132,600
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1992–2016
Vans RV-7
For sale now
11
Median asking
$140,000
Range
$111,750–$248,048
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
4
Source marketplaces
8
Model years available
2005–2025

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)Vans RV-6Vans RV-7
All events35
Serious00
Fatal13
Fatalities24
% Fatal33%60%
View full Vans RV-6 NTSB record →View full Vans RV-7 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Vans RV-6 Vans RV-7
Vans RV-6
View 9 listings →
Median $110,000
 Vans RV-7
View 11 listings →
Median $140,000
Price Range $83,800 – $132,600 $111,750 – $248,048
Category Experimental Experimental
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Cruise Speed 166 kts (307 km/h) 173 kts (320 km/h)
Range 630 nm (1,167 km) 673 nm (1,246 km)
Max Gross Weight 1,600 lbs (726 kg) 1,800 lbs (816 kg)
Fuel Burn 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) —
TBO 2,000 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $22,000 —
Annual Fixed $10,000 —
Hourly Variable $90 —
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Vans RV-6

Fuel$44/hr
Variable$90/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $28,000/yr

Vans RV-7

Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-6 or Vans RV-7?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-7 for the newer design, more room and fuel, and current kit support. Choose the RV-6 for the same fun side-by-side RV character at lower acquisition cost — a proven classic, with a careful pre-buy of the (older, amateur-built) airframe.

Pick the RV-6 if…

  • Budget matters — from $83,800 vs $111,750, you save ~$27,950.

Pick the RV-7 if…

  • Faster cruise — 173 kts vs 166 kts.
  • Longer range — 673 nm vs 630 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1986.
  • More inventory — 11 listings vs 9.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Vans RV-6 or Vans RV-7?
It depends on your mission and budget. The RV-6 cruises at 166 kts with 630 nm range. The RV-7 cruises at 173 kts with 673 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-6: from $83,000. Vans RV-7: from $349,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-6 and Vans RV-7?
Cruise: 166 vs 173 kts. Range: 630 vs 673 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
RV-6: 2 seats. RV-7: 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?
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