Vans RV-6 vs Vans RV-9
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
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
Vans RV-9
- For sale now
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2004–2004
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) | Vans RV-6 | Vans RV-9 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 33% | 100% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Vans RV-6 | Vans RV-9 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $83,800 – $132,600 | $142,264 – $193,650 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 166 kts (307 km/h) | 160 kts (296 km/h) |
| Range | 630 nm (1,167 km) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $90 | $85 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV-6
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$90/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$28,000/yr
Vans RV-9
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$85/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$27,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-6 or Vans RV-9?
Pick the RV-6 if…
- Budget matters — from $83,800 vs $142,264, you save ~$58,464.
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 166 kts vs 160 kts.
- More inventory — 9 listings vs 3.
Pick the RV-9 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$85/hr vs $90/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1986.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Vans RV-6 or Vans RV-9?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-6 cruises at 166 kts with 630 nm range.
The RV-9 cruises at 160 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-6: from $83,000.
Vans RV-9: from $150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-6 and Vans RV-9?
Seats: 2 vs 1.
Cruise: 166 vs 160 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-6: about $90/hr variable cost.
RV-9: about $85/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.
RV-9: 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?
RV-6: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
RV-9: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$20,000.
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