Vans RV-8A vs Titan T-51 Mustang
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Vans RV-8A
- For sale now
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2002–2014
Titan T-51 Mustang
- For sale now
- 1
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 2017–2017
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-8A | Titan T-51 Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 2 | — |
| % Fatal | 100% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Vans RV-8A | Titan T-51 Mustang |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $101,318 – $158,400 | — |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Cruise Speed | 173 kts (320 km/h) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV-8A
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$30,000/yr
Titan T-51 Mustang
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-8A or Titan T-51 Mustang?
Pick the RV-8A if…
- More inventory — 4 listings vs 1.
Pick the T-51 Mustang if…
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-8A or Titan T-51 Mustang?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-8A cruises at 173 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-8A: from $94,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-8A and Titan T-51 Mustang?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-8A: about $100/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-8A: 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-8A: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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