Vans RV-6 vs Vans RV-8

The Van's RV-6 (side-by-side) and RV-8 (tandem) are two-seat RVs of different layout — the RV-6 seats two side-by-side; the RV-8 is the tandem fighter-style design.

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-8
For sale now
12
Median asking
$165,000
Range
$125,360–$239,615
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
5
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)Vans RV-6Vans RV-8
All events35
Serious00
Fatal12
Fatalities23
% Fatal33%40%
View full Vans RV-6 NTSB record →View full Vans RV-8 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Vans RV-6 Vans RV-8
Vans RV-6
View 9 listings →
Median $110,000
 Vans RV-8
View 11 listings →
Median $165,000
Price Range $83,800 – $132,600 $125,360 – $239,615
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) 686 nm (1,270 km)
Max Gross Weight 1,600 lbs (726 kg) 1,800 lbs (816 kg)
Fuel Burn 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) 9.0 GPH (34 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $22,000 $25,000
Annual Fixed $10,000 $10,000
Hourly Variable $90 $100
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-8

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

Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-6 or Vans RV-8?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-8 for the tandem "fighter" feel and sportier solo flying. Choose the RV-6 for side-by-side seating and the large, proven RV-6 fleet — pick by seating preference and the specific airframe's build quality.

Pick the RV-6 if…

  • Budget matters — from $83,800 vs $125,360, you save ~$41,560.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$90/hr vs $100/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1986 vs 1979.

Pick the RV-8 if…

  • Faster cruise — 173 kts vs 166 kts.
  • Longer range — 686 nm vs 630 nm.
  • 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-8?
It depends on your mission and budget. The RV-6 cruises at 166 kts with 630 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?
Vans RV-6: from $83,000. Vans RV-8: from $119,000. 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-8?
Cruise: 166 vs 173 kts. Range: 630 vs 686 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-6: about $90/hr variable cost. 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?
RV-6: 2 seats. RV-8: 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. 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