Vans RV-14 vs Vans RV-7
The Vans RV-14 and the Vans RV-7 are two of Van's most popular two-seat kit aircraft — the larger, newer RV-14 and the proven RV-7. Both are sporty, capable side-by-side two-seaters; the RV-14 is roomier and more powerful, the RV-7 lighter and a long-time favourite. Where each trades now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 2019–2019
- 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) | Van's RV-14 | Van's RV-7 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 5 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 0 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 4 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 60% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Van's RV-14 | Van's RV-7 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $300,600 – $347,400 | $110,634 – $312,684 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 210 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 175 kts (324 km/h) | 173 kts (320 km/h) |
| Range | 900 nm (1,667 km) | 673 nm (1,246 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Useful Load | 650 lbs (295 kg) | 650 lbs (295 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Van's RV-14 or Van's RV-7?
Bottom line: Choose the RV-7 for a proven, lighter sport two-seater — spirited handling, a huge fleet and community, and a lower cost. Choose the RV-14 for more room and power — a bigger cabin, more capability and the newer design, for builders and buyers who want extra space. On safety both are amateur-built experimentals, so build quality and a thorough inspection matter as much as the model; flown well, both are capable, sporty aircraft. Proven lighter classic, or roomier newer RV.
Pick the RV-14 if…
- Faster cruise — 175 kts vs 173 kts.
- Longer range — 900 nm vs 673 nm.
Pick the RV-7 if…
- Budget matters — from $110,634 vs $300,600, you save ~$189,966.
- More inventory — 10 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.