Cessna Citation II vs Learjet 45
The Citation II (1980s/90s 500-series light, ~385 kt) is an older Citation light jet; the CJ3 (modern, ~417 kt, single-pilot) is the modern CitationJet evolution; the Learjet 45 (~460 kt swept-wing modern light) is the speed-Learjet alternative.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 63
- Median asking
- $770,000
- Range
- $351,775–$2,295,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 36
- Source marketplaces
- 8
- Model years available
- 1977–1992
- For sale now
- 61
- Median asking
- $2,345,000
- Range
- $1,761,250–$7,125,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 25
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1999–2012
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) | Cessna Citation II | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 16 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 15 |
| % Fatal | — | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation II | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $351,775 – $2,295,250 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 345 kts (639 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,600 nm (2,963 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 ft (13,106 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,300 lbs (6,033 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 470.0 gal (1779 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,200 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation II
Learjet 45
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation II or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for the modern Cessna light-jet platform with single-pilot certification and class-leading reliability. Choose the Learjet 45 for ramp presence and ~45 kt more cruise. Choose the Citation II only for materially lower acquisition cost — older platform with mandate-upgrade costs.
Pick the Citation II if…
- Budget matters — from $351,775 vs $1,761,250, you save ~$1,409,475.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2200/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- More inventory — 62 listings vs 58.
Pick the 45 if…
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 345 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1600 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1978.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.