Glasair III vs Vans RV-7
The Glasair III (fast composite retractable) and Van's RV-7 (metal sport) compare a high-performance composite against the most-supported sport kit.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1977–2002
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $140,000
- Range
- $111,750–$248,048
- 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) | Glasair III | Van's RV-7 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 5 |
| Serious | 1 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 4 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 60% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Glasair III | Van's RV-7 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $215,500 – $336,100 | $111,750 – $248,048 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 173 kts (320 km/h) |
| Range | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) | 673 nm (1,246 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Useful Load | 700 lbs (318 kg) | 650 lbs (295 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Glasair III or Van's RV-7?
Bottom line: Choose the RV-7 for value, the huge Van's community and easy build; choose the Glasair III for composite construction and higher top speed (retractable). RV-7 = value/support; Glasair III = composite/ speed.
Pick the III if…
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 173 kts.
- Longer range — 1100 nm vs 673 nm.
Pick the RV-7 if…
- Budget matters — from $111,750 vs $215,500, you save ~$103,750.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1994.
- More inventory — 13 listings vs 4.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.