Falcon 50EX vs Legacy 500
The Legacy 500 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Dassault Aviation Falcon 50EX (introduced 1996) beside the Embraer Executive Jets Legacy 500 (introduced 2014) 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 Legacy 500 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Falcon 50EX vs Legacy 500: the key differences
- The Falcon 50EX delivers 3% more range (Falcon 50EX: 3,225 nm; Legacy 500: 3,125 nm).
- The Legacy 500 delivers 2% more cruise speed (Falcon 50EX: 459 kt; Legacy 500: 466 kt).
- The Legacy 500 delivers 33% more passenger capacity (Falcon 50EX: 9 seats; Legacy 500: 12 seats).
- The Legacy 500 is the newer design (introduced 2014 versus 1996 for the Falcon 50EX), a gap of 18 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Falcon 50EX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (40,780 lbs versus 38,360 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the Falcon 50EX runs 3 engines against 2 on the Legacy 500 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for transcontinental missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Legacy 500 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 Falcon 50EX when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Legacy 500 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Legacy 500 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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Falcon 50EX vs Legacy 500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Falcon 50EX or the Legacy 500?
The Falcon 50EX has the longer published range — 3,225 nm versus 3,125 nm for the Legacy 500.
Does the Falcon 50EX or Legacy 500 seat more passengers?
The Legacy 500 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 9 on the Falcon 50EX.
Which is faster, the Falcon 50EX or the Legacy 500?
The Legacy 500 cruises faster, at 466 kt versus 459 kt for the Falcon 50EX.
Which is newer, the Falcon 50EX or the Legacy 500?
The Legacy 500 is the newer design, introduced in 2014 versus 1996 for the Falcon 50EX.
Is the Falcon 50EX or the Legacy 500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Falcon 50EX is the larger aircraft — 40,780 lbs versus 38,360 lbs for the Legacy 500.
Should I buy the Falcon 50EX or the Legacy 500?
Choose the Falcon 50EX when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Legacy 500 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Legacy 500 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 Falcon 50EX vs Legacy 500?
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.