Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Gulfstream G400
The Cessna Citation M2 and CJ3+ are both light jets, while the Gulfstream G400 is a large-cabin, long-range business jet in a different class. The Citation M2 is positioned as an entry-level light jet for shorter missions, typically carrying about 4–7 passengers depending on configuration, with range around 1,550 nautical miles. The Citation CJ3+ is a larger, more capable light jet, commonly seating about 6–9 passengers, and extends typical range to roughly 2,000 nautical miles, making it better suited to longer nonstop city pairs and heavier loads than the M2. By contrast, the Gulfstream G400 targets intercontinental-capable travel with a substantially larger cabin and baggage capacity; it is typically marketed for around 12 passengers and offers range on the order of about 4,200 nautical miles, enabling many transoceanic and deep-continental missions that are beyond the practical reach of light jets. Overall, the M2 fits short-hop efficiency, the CJ3+ balances light-jet economics with more legs and payload, and the G400 is built for long-range comfort and capability.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation M2 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 3.45 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | M2 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1400 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.58 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 3810 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,395 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 404 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,150,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 8.5 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 22027 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-1AP-21 | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 1965 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 516 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 492 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 42.6 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 47.3 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 11 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 8.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 46 | — |