Challenger 604 vs Citation Longitude
The Citation Longitude leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bombardier Aviation Challenger 604 (introduced 1996) beside the Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation Longitude (introduced 2019) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Citation Longitude 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 Citation Longitude: the key differences
- The Challenger 604 delivers 15% more range (Challenger 604: 4,027 nm; Citation Longitude: 3,500 nm).
- The Citation Longitude delivers 4% more cruise speed (Challenger 604: 459 kt; Citation Longitude: 476 kt).
- The Citation Longitude delivers 33% more passenger capacity (Challenger 604: 9 seats; Citation Longitude: 12 seats).
- The Citation Longitude is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 1996 for the Challenger 604), a gap of 23 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Challenger 604 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (47,600 lbs versus 44,000 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 Citation Longitude 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 Citation Longitude when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Citation Longitude 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 Citation Longitude: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Challenger 604 or the Citation Longitude?
The Challenger 604 has the longer published range — 4,027 nm versus 3,500 nm for the Citation Longitude.
Does the Challenger 604 or Citation Longitude seat more passengers?
The Citation Longitude carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 9 on the Challenger 604.
Which is faster, the Challenger 604 or the Citation Longitude?
The Citation Longitude cruises faster, at 476 kt versus 459 kt for the Challenger 604.
Which is newer, the Challenger 604 or the Citation Longitude?
The Citation Longitude is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 1996 for the Challenger 604.
Is the Challenger 604 or the Citation Longitude the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Challenger 604 is the larger aircraft — 47,600 lbs versus 44,000 lbs for the Citation Longitude.
Should I buy the Challenger 604 or the Citation Longitude?
Choose the Challenger 604 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Citation Longitude when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Citation Longitude 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 Citation Longitude?
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.