Gulfstream GIII vs Bombardier Challenger 601

The Gulfstream III and Bombardier (Canadair) Challenger 601 are 1980s large-cabin heavies of different philosophy — the GIII is the long-range narrow-deep Gulfstream; the Challenger 601 is the wide-body short-to-mid-range heavy with the roomiest cabin cross-section of its era.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Gulfstream GIII
For sale now
4
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1980–1986
Bombardier Challenger 601
For sale now
26
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
12
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
1982–1995

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Gulfstream GIII Bombardier Challenger 601
Gulfstream GIII
View 4 listings →
Median $375,000
 Bombardier Challenger 601
View 25 listings →
Median $1,750,000
Price Range $195,000 – $1,027,500 $325,862 – $2,662,500
Category Large Cabin Jet Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats — 12
Cruise Speed — 435 kts (806 km/h)
Range — 3,500 nm (6,482 km)
Service Ceiling — 41,000 ft (12,497 m)
Max Gross Weight — 45,100 lbs (20,457 kg)
Useful Load — 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 2,540.0 gal (9614 L)
Fuel Burn — 300.0 GPH (1136 L/h)
TBO — 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $900,000
Annual Fixed — $600,000
Hourly Variable — $4,200
Engines — 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Gulfstream GIII

Bombardier Challenger 601

Fuel$1,650/hr
Variable$4,200/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,440,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream GIII or Bombardier Challenger 601?

Bottom line: Choose the GIII for genuine long-range intercontinental capability. Choose the Challenger 601 for the widest cabin at lower acquisition cost on shorter missions — accepting its shorter range and, like the GIII, older systems and engine economics.

Pick the GIII if…

  • Budget matters — from $195,000 vs $325,862, you save ~$130,862.

Pick the Challenger 601 if…

  • More inventory — 25 listings vs 4.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Gulfstream GIII or Bombardier Challenger 601?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Challenger 601 cruises at 435 kts with 3,500 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Gulfstream GIII and Bombardier Challenger 601?
Challenger 601 engine: General Electric CF34-1A.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Challenger 601: about $4200/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?
Challenger 601: 12 seats / 12,000 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?
Challenger 601: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$900,000. 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