Vans RV-6A vs Vans RV-7
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Vans RV-6A
- For sale now
- 14
- Median asking
- $103,000
- Range
- $67,227–$136,960
- Model years available
- 1997–2019
Vans RV-7
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $140,000
- Range
- $110,444–$311,928
- Model years available
- 2004–2025
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) | Van's RV-6A | Van's RV-7 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 5 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 4 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 60% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Van's RV-6A | Van's RV-7 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $67,227 – $136,960 | $110,444 – $311,928 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 166 kts (307 km/h) | 173 kts (320 km/h) |
| Range | 626 nm (1,159 km) | 673 nm (1,246 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Useful Load | 620 lbs (281 kg) | 650 lbs (295 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Van's RV-6A or Van's RV-7?
Pick the RV-6A if…
- Budget matters — from $67,227 vs $110,444, you save ~$43,217.
- More inventory — 14 listings vs 10.
Pick the RV-7 if…
- Faster cruise — 173 kts vs 166 kts.
- Longer range — 673 nm vs 626 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1992.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Van's RV-6A or Van's RV-7?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-6A cruises at 166 kts with 626 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?
Van's RV-6A: from $85,569.
Van's RV-7: from $111,111.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Van's RV-6A and Van's RV-7?
Cruise: 166 vs 173 kts.
Range: 626 vs 673 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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-6A: 2 seats / 620 lb useful load.
RV-7: 2 seats / 650 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?
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data