Vans RV8 vs Lancair IV-P
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Vans RV8
- For sale now
- 1
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 2015–2015
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
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 RV8 | Lancair IV-P |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 23 | 2 |
| Serious | 4 | 0 |
| Fatal | 5 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 6 | 3 |
| % Fatal | 22% | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Vans RV8 | Lancair IV-P |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $225,698 | $255,850 – $673,750 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | 173 kts (320 km/h) | 220 kts (407 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 Piston | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV8
Lancair IV-P
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV8 or Lancair IV-P?
Pick the RV8 if…
- Budget matters — from $225,698 vs $255,850, you save ~$30,152.
- Newer design — production from 1995 vs 1979.
Pick the IV-P if…
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 220 kts vs 173 kts.
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 1.
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 RV8 or Lancair IV-P?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV8 cruises at 173 kts.
The IV-P cruises at 220 kts with 1,347 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV8: from $223,740.
Lancair IV-P: from $275,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV8 and Lancair IV-P?
Seats: 1 vs 2.
Cruise: 173 vs 220 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?
RV8: 1 seats.
IV-P: 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?
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