Legacy 500 vs Hawker 900XP
The Legacy 500 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Embraer Executive Jets Legacy 500 (introduced 2014) beside the Hawker Beechcraft Hawker 900XP (introduced 2007) 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.
Legacy 500 vs Hawker 900XP: the key differences
- The Legacy 500 delivers 7% more range (Legacy 500: 3,125 nm; Hawker 900XP: 2,930 nm).
- The Legacy 500 delivers 4% more cruise speed (Legacy 500: 466 kt; Hawker 900XP: 448 kt).
- The Legacy 500 delivers 50% more passenger capacity (Legacy 500: 12 seats; Hawker 900XP: 8 seats).
- The Legacy 500 is the newer design (introduced 2014 versus 2007 for the Hawker 900XP), a gap of 7 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Legacy 500 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (38,360 lbs versus 28,000 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 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?
On published specifications the Legacy 500 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Hawker 900XP can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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Legacy 500 vs Hawker 900XP: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Legacy 500 or the Hawker 900XP?
The Legacy 500 has the longer published range — 3,125 nm versus 2,930 nm for the Hawker 900XP.
Does the Legacy 500 or Hawker 900XP seat more passengers?
The Legacy 500 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 8 on the Hawker 900XP.
Which is faster, the Legacy 500 or the Hawker 900XP?
The Legacy 500 cruises faster, at 466 kt versus 448 kt for the Hawker 900XP.
Which is newer, the Legacy 500 or the Hawker 900XP?
The Legacy 500 is the newer design, introduced in 2014 versus 2007 for the Hawker 900XP.
Is the Legacy 500 or the Hawker 900XP the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Legacy 500 is the larger aircraft — 38,360 lbs versus 28,000 lbs for the Hawker 900XP.
Should I buy the Legacy 500 or the Hawker 900XP?
On published specifications the Legacy 500 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Hawker 900XP can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the Legacy 500 vs Hawker 900XP?
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.