Vans RV-6A vs Vans RV-8
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Vans RV-6A | Vans RV-8 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $49,900 – $164,588 | $134,900 – $279,358 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 2 kts (4 km/h) | 2 kts (4 km/h) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 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
EstimateVans RV-6A
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-6A or Vans RV-8?
Pick the RV-6A if…
- Budget matters — from $49,900 vs $134,900, you save ~$85,000.
- Newer design — production from 1992 vs 1979.
- More inventory — 13 listings vs 10.
Pick the RV-8 if…
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-6A or Vans RV-8?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-6A cruises at 2 kts.
The RV-8 cruises at 2 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-6A: from $129,900.
Vans RV-8: from $165,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-6A and Vans RV-8?
Cruise: 2 vs 2 kts.
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?
RV-6A: 1 seats.
RV-8: 1 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-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