Rutan Long-EZ vs Vans RV-7

The Long-EZ and Vans RV-7 are popular two-seat performance homebuilts — the Long-EZ an efficient composite canard, the RV-7 a fast, aerobatic-capable all-metal design with the largest kit community.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Rutan Long-EZ

No active listings right now.

Vans RV-7
For sale now
10
Median asking
$144,900
Range
$110,634–$312,684
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)Rutan Long-EZVan's RV-7
All events75
Serious20
Fatal03
Fatalities04
% Fatal0%60%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Rutan Long-EZ Van's RV-7
Vans RV-7
View 10 listings →
Median $144,900
Price Range $110,634 – $312,684
Category Experimental
Model Specifications
Seats 2
Horsepower 180 HP
Cruise Speed 173 kts (320 km/h)
Range 673 nm (1,246 km)
Service Ceiling 22,000 ft (6,706 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,800 lbs (816 kg)
Useful Load 650 lbs (295 kg)
Fuel Burn 8.5 GPH (32 L/h)
Engines 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Rutan Long-EZ or Van's RV-7?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-7 for all-metal build ease, aerobatic capability and unmatched community/ support; choose the Long-EZ for canard efficiency and distinctive character. RV-7 = metal/support/aerobatic; Long-EZ = composite/efficient.

Pick the Long-EZ if…

Pick the RV-7 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, Rutan Long-EZ or Van's RV-7?
It depends on your mission and budget. 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-7: from $169,999. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Rutan Long-EZ and Van's RV-7?
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-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