Cessna Citation V vs Learjet 45
The Cessna Citation V and Learjet 45 are light jets with different priorities. The straight-wing, two-crew Citation V is a durable, comfortable jet with gentle handling and good field performance, while the swept-wing, TFE731-powered Learjet 45 is faster, climbs higher, and offers a sleeker, more modern profile.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 104
- Median asking
- $2,047,500
- Range
- $473,625–$3,660,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 42
- Source marketplaces
- 13
- Model years available
- 1989–2008
- 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 V | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 16 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 15 |
| % Fatal | — | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation V | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $473,625 – $3,660,250 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 390 kts (722 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,800 nm (3,334 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 15,900 lbs (7,212 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 500.0 gal (1892 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 140.0 GPH (530 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $300,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $300,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation V
Learjet 45
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation V or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the Citation V for easy handling, runway flexibility, and lower operating costs; pick the Learjet 45 for greater speed, altitude, and a modern feel. Performance needs, operating costs, and cabin preference typically decide this light-jet pairing.
Pick the Citation V if…
- Budget matters — from $473,625 vs $1,761,250, you save ~$1,287,625.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2000/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More inventory — 102 listings vs 58.
Pick the 45 if…
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 390 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1800 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1989.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.