Vans RV-8 vs Titan T-51 Mustang

The Titan T-51 Mustang (¾-scale P-51 replica) and Van's RV-8 are tandem sport kits — the T-51 a warbird-styled scale Mustang, the RV-8 a high-performance all-round sport monoplane.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Vans RV-8
For sale now
12
Median asking
$165,000
Range
$125,360–$239,615
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
5
Model years available
2001–2021
Titan T-51 Mustang
For sale now
1
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
2017–2017

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)Vans RV-8Titan T-51 Mustang
All events5—
Serious0—
Fatal2—
Fatalities3—
% Fatal40%—
View full Vans RV-8 NTSB record →View full Titan T-51 Mustang NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Vans RV-8 Titan T-51 Mustang
Vans RV-8
View 11 listings →
Median $165,000
 Titan T-51 Mustang
View 1 listings →
Price Range $125,360 – $239,615 —
Category Experimental Experimental
Model Specifications
Seats 2 —
Cruise Speed 173 kts (320 km/h) —
Range 686 nm (1,270 km) —
Max Gross Weight 1,800 lbs (816 kg) —
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 —

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Vans RV-8

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $30,000/yr

Titan T-51 Mustang

Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-8 or Titan T-51 Mustang?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-8 for outright performance, value and the huge Van's community; choose the Titan T-51 for warbird looks and the Mustang experience at sport-kit cost (verify build quality/engine). RV-8 = performance/community; T-51 = warbird-looks.

Pick the RV-8 if…

  • More inventory — 11 listings vs 1.

Pick the T-51 Mustang 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-8 or Titan T-51 Mustang?
It depends on your mission and budget. The RV-8 cruises at 173 kts with 686 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-8: from $119,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-8 and Titan T-51 Mustang?
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-8: 2 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