Lancair IV-P vs Vans RV8
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Lancair IV-P
- For sale now
- 16
- Median asking
- $355,000
- Range
- $255,850–$673,750
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 6
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1995–2009
Vans RV8
- For sale now
- 1
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 2015–2015
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) | Lancair IV-P | Vans RV8 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 23 |
| Serious | 0 | 4 |
| Fatal | 1 | 5 |
| Fatalities | 3 | 6 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 22% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Lancair IV-P | Vans RV8 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $255,850 – $673,750 | $225,698 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 220 kts (407 km/h) | 173 kts (320 km/h) |
| Range | 1,347 nm (2,495 km) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLancair IV-P
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Vans RV8
Which Should You Buy: Lancair IV-P or Vans RV8?
Pick the IV-P if…
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 220 kts vs 173 kts.
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 1.
Pick the RV8 if…
- Budget matters — from $225,698 vs $255,850, you save ~$30,152.
- 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, Lancair IV-P or Vans RV8?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The IV-P cruises at 220 kts with 1,347 nm range.
The RV8 cruises at 173 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Lancair IV-P: from $275,000.
Vans RV8: from $223,740.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Lancair IV-P and Vans RV8?
Seats: 2 vs 1.
Cruise: 220 vs 173 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
IV-P: about $180/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?
IV-P: 2 seats.
RV8: 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?
IV-P: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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