Rutan VARI-EZE vs Vans RV-6
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Rutan VARI-EZE
No active listings right now.
Vans RV-6
- For sale now
- 9
- Median asking
- $110,000
- Range
- $83,800–$132,600
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1992–2016
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) | Rutan VARI-EZE | Vans RV-6 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 3 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 0 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 2 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Rutan VARI-EZE | Vans RV-6 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,000 – $55,000 | $83,800 – $132,600 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 166 kts (307 km/h) |
| Range | — | 630 nm (1,167 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $22,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $90 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRutan VARI-EZE
Vans RV-6
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$90/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$28,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Rutan VARI-EZE or Vans RV-6?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-6 cruises at 166 kts with 630 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Rutan VARI-EZE: from $25,000.
Vans RV-6: from $83,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Rutan VARI-EZE and Vans RV-6?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-6: about $90/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-6: 2 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?
RV-6: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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