Vans RV-6 vs Vans RV-8
The Van's RV-6 (side-by-side) and RV-8 (tandem) are two-seat RVs of different layout — the RV-6 seats two side-by-side; the RV-8 is the tandem fighter-style design.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 15
- Median asking
- $103,000
- Range
- $50,624–$145,500
- Model years available
- 1992–2020
- For sale now
- 15
- Median asking
- $162,000
- Range
- $114,784–$234,988
- Model years available
- 2005–2023
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-6 | Van's RV-8 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | 5 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 3 |
| % Fatal | 33% | 40% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Van's RV-6 | Van's RV-8 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $50,624 – $145,500 | $114,784 – $234,988 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 166 kts (307 km/h) | 173 kts (320 km/h) |
| Range | 630 nm (1,167 km) | 686 nm (1,270 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Useful Load | 620 lbs (281 kg) | 640 lbs (290 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $90 | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVan's RV-6
Van's RV-8
Which Should You Buy: Van's RV-6 or Van's RV-8?
Bottom line: Choose the RV-8 for the tandem "fighter" feel and sportier solo flying. Choose the RV-6 for side-by-side seating and the large, proven RV-6 fleet — pick by seating preference and the specific airframe's build quality.
Pick the RV-6 if…
- Budget matters — from $50,624 vs $114,784, you save ~$64,160.
- Lower operating cost — ~$90/hr vs $100/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1986 vs 1979.
- More inventory — 15 listings vs 14.
Pick the RV-8 if…
- Faster cruise — 173 kts vs 166 kts.
- Longer range — 686 nm vs 630 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.