Challenger 604 vs Challenger 605
Challenger 604 and Challenger 605 are closely matched, each topping 1 of 7 metrics.
The Bombardier Aviation Challenger 604 (introduced 1996) and the Bombardier Aviation Challenger 605 (introduced 2006) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Challenger 605 carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Challenger 604 vs Challenger 605: the key differences
- The Challenger 604 delivers 1% more range (Challenger 604: 4,027 nm; Challenger 605: 4,000 nm).
- The Challenger 604 and Challenger 605 are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 459 kt.
- The Challenger 605 delivers 33% more passenger capacity (Challenger 604: 9 seats; Challenger 605: 12 seats).
- The Challenger 605 is the newer design (introduced 2006 versus 1996 for the Challenger 604), a gap of 10 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Challenger 605 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (48,300 lbs versus 47,600 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for long-haul and transatlantic missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Challenger 605 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Challenger 604 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Challenger 605 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Challenger 604 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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Challenger 604 vs Challenger 605: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Challenger 604 or the Challenger 605?
The Challenger 604 has the longer published range — 4,027 nm versus 4,000 nm for the Challenger 605.
Does the Challenger 604 or Challenger 605 seat more passengers?
The Challenger 605 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 9 on the Challenger 604.
Which is newer, the Challenger 604 or the Challenger 605?
The Challenger 605 is the newer design, introduced in 2006 versus 1996 for the Challenger 604.
Is the Challenger 604 or the Challenger 605 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Challenger 605 is the larger aircraft — 48,300 lbs versus 47,600 lbs for the Challenger 604.
Should I buy the Challenger 604 or the Challenger 605?
Choose the Challenger 604 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Challenger 605 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Challenger 604 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Challenger 604 vs Challenger 605?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.