Vans RV-8 vs Vans RV-9A
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
- Model years available
- 2001–2021
Vans RV-9A
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $152,000
- Range
- $121,750–$252,499
- Model years available
- 2007–2026
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-8 | Van's RV-9A |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 5 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 2 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 3 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 40% | 100% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Van's RV-8 | Van's RV-9A |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $125,360 – $239,615 | $121,750 – $252,499 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 160 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 173 kts (320 km/h) | 160 kts (296 km/h) |
| Range | 686 nm (1,270 km) | 650 nm (1,204 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 640 lbs (290 kg) | 600 lbs (272 kg) |
| 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
EstimateVan's RV-8
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$30,000/yr
Van's RV-9A
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$85/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$27,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Van's RV-8 or Van's RV-9A?
Pick the RV-8 if…
- Faster cruise — 173 kts vs 160 kts.
- Longer range — 686 nm vs 650 nm.
Pick the RV-9A if…
- Budget matters — from $121,750 vs $125,360, you save ~$3,610.
- Lower operating cost — ~$85/hr vs $100/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1995 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, Van's RV-8 or Van's RV-9A?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-8 cruises at 173 kts with 686 nm range.
The RV-9A cruises at 160 kts with 650 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Van's RV-8: from $198,067.
Van's RV-9A: from $175,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Van's RV-8 and Van's RV-9A?
Cruise: 173 vs 160 kts.
Range: 686 vs 650 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-8: about $100/hr variable cost.
RV-9A: 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: 2 seats / 640 lb useful load.
RV-9A: 2 seats / 600 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?
RV-8: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
RV-9A: 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