Vans RV-8 vs Vans RV-9
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Vans RV-8 | Vans RV-9 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $125,000 – $279,505 | $140,882 – $198,500 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 2 kts (4 km/h) | 2 kts (4 km/h) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $20,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $85 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV-8
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$30,000/yr
Vans RV-9
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$85/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$27,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-8 or Vans RV-9?
Pick the RV-8 if…
- Budget matters — from $125,000 vs $140,882, you save ~$15,882.
- More inventory — 10 listings vs 3.
Pick the RV-9 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$85/hr vs $100/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1979.
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 Vans RV-9?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-8 cruises at 2 kts.
The RV-9 cruises at 2 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-8: from $160,457.
Vans RV-9: from $150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-8 and Vans RV-9?
Cruise: 2 vs 2 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-8: about $100/hr variable cost.
RV-9: about $85/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: 1 seats.
RV-9: 1 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.
RV-9: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$20,000.
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