The Cessna Citation Mustang and Cessna Citation M2 are two of the smallest jets that Cessna has ever produced.
The Mustang was a wildly popular very light jet that was produced between 2006 and 2017, with over 450 examples in service.
Production of the M2 began in 2013 and continues to this day, with just over 300 examples in service.
Both are popular aircraft that are small but extremely capable, but how do these aircraft actually differ? And which one should you choose for your next mission or acquisition?
In order to aid in this comparison we will be using our Premium service comparison feature, which you can learn more about here.
Performance
The Cessna Citation Mustang is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW615F engines, with each engine capable of outputting 1,460 lbs of thrust. This, therefore, results in a total thrust output of 2,920 lbs.
As a result, the Mustang has a maximum cruise speed of 340 knots and can cruise at up to 41,000 feet. However, in order to get the maximum range out of the aircraft the long-range cruise speed is just 319 knots.
In comparison, the Cessna Citation M2 is powered by two Williams FJ44-1AP-21 engines. Each engine outputs 1,965 lbs of thrust which results in a total thrust output of 3,930 lbs.
Consequently, the Citation M2 has a maximum cruise speed of 404 knots, with a long-range cruise speed of 331 knots. Just like the Mustang, the Citation M2 has a maximum cruising altitude of 41,000 feet.
Additionally, the M2 is able to get to its initial cruising altitude quicker with a climb rate of 3,698 feet per minute compared with the 3,010 feet per minute climb rate of the Mustang.
However, an area where the Mustang does easily beat the M2 is fuel burn. Per hour the Mustang burns around 95 gallons of Jet A fuel compared with an hourly burn rate of 120 gallons for the M2. For small jets, this is pretty reasonable and considerably less than that of the larger jets.
Range
Despite the extra size of the M2 the range isn’t that much greater than that of the Mustang.
The maximum stated range of the M2 is 1,550 nautical miles (1,784 miles). Whereas the maximum stated range of the Mustang is 1,343 nautical miles (1,545 miles).
Of course, these figures are assuming minimum weight and optimum conditions.
If you take these figures at face value, both aircraft are able to fly non-stop from New York to Dallas. However, the M2 is even able to power on further to Denver.
However, if we input 4 passengers on the Compare Private Planes Premium range map, the range reduces so that the Mustang can fly just shy of Dallas, and the M2 can almost reach San Antonio.
In Europe, flying from London both aircraft will be able to reach the majority of the mainland. However, the Mustang will stop just short of Athens. Whereas the Citation M2 is able to continue on to Athens and even almost reach Istanbul.
Ground Performance
On the ground, the minimum take-off and landing distances are surprisingly similar.
Having lower figures here is beneficial as it means that less runway is required in order to operate. This, therefore, increases the number of airports that you can fly in and out of, ultimately increasing the operational capabilities of each aircraft.
Having access to more airports, especially smaller ones, allows you to arrive closer to your final destination, therefore reducing your overall travel time.
The Mustang has a minimum take-off distance of 3,110 feet compared with the 3,210 feet minimum take-off distance of the M2.
Additionally, the Mustang requires at least 2,380 feet of runway to land compared with the 2,590 feet minimum required for the M2.
The two key figures here are the take-off distance.
Realistically, a difference in the minimum take-off distance of 100 feet is unlikely to have a real-world impact.
Therefore, the M2 demonstrates an impressive performance with the extra size and weight.
However, it is important to note that just like the stated range figures, the ground performance figures are the best-case scenario. They are conducted in optimum conditions with minimum weight. Therefore, real-world figures will vary.
Interior Dimensions
When it comes to the interior dimensions of these two aircraft there isn’t too much difference. This is surprising given the additional features that the M2 is able to pack in compared with the Mustang.
The Mustang measures 9.81 feet in length, 4.49 feet in height, and 4.59 feet in width.
In comparison, the M2 measures 10.99 feet in length, 4.76 feet in height, and 4.82 feet in width.
As you can tell, in every dimension the M2 is larger but not by much.
The benefits of having a wider cabin are that each seat will be wider, there will be more shoulder room, and the aisle will be wider, making it easier to move around.
However, with the interior height figures of these aircraft, you won’t be moving around easily during flight no matter how wide the aisle is.
However, the extra width does allow for more shoulder room per passenger.
Additionally, the increase in length allows for a great seating capacity and features.
Interior
Given the larger interior of the M2 it has, as you would expect, a greater seating capacity.
Officially, the Cessna Citation M2 is capable of carrying up to 7 passengers. This figure includes one passenger sitting in the first officer’s seat in the cockpit, one on a belted lavatory, and one opposite the door.
However, the typical configuration for the M2 is to carry 4 passengers in a club configuration.
In comparison, the Mustang can officially accommodate up to 5 passengers – again with one passenger sat up front in the cockpit – however, the typical configuration is for 4 passengers.
Given the additional size of the cabin, this means that there is more space per passenger in the M2, along with a proper lavatory. Whereas the Mustang has just an emergency toilet which is a chemical toilet behind a curtain.
Cessna Citation Mustang
Although the interior cabin is relatively small compared to larger options on the market, it uses its available space efficiently and stylishly. Ergonomic seating is comparable to many larger models including fully-reclinable leather seats with AC power supply, storage space consoles, retractable work tables, and comfortable armrests.
Additionally, the Mustang has an impressive amount of storage space for a jet of its category boasting 57 cubic feet (or 620 lbs) of external baggage volume.
If you are looking for the ideal entry-level jet for one to three passengers, the Mustang is an incredibly cost-effective, comfortable, and efficient choice for short-range trips. While the Mustang isn’t capable of going coast to coast, it’s a breath of fresh air for those who know where they need to go and want to get there quickly.
It excels at state-to-state travel and luxury vacationing with recessed walls to accommodate ski transport. The Mustang is incredibly fast, incredibly affordable, and incredibly innovative. It can carry four passengers.
Cessna Citation Mustang
Cessna Citation M2
Cessna Citation M2
The interior of the M2 is classic Cessna. Compared with the large models, such as the CJ3+ and the CJ4, you would be forgiven for thinking they are the same aircraft. Of course, there are differences. However, judging solely on interior design, style, and materials, the aircraft is clearly related. This is no bad thing! The interior of the Cessna aircraft is comfortable and functional.
Starting from the front of the aircraft, the Cessna Citation M2 features a light refreshment center just behind the cockpit. While you won’t be able to create any Michelin-starred meals here, you will be able to enjoy some light snacks during your flight.
Just next to the light refreshment center, the standard configuration features a side-facing seat. In place of this seat, customers can instead opt for additional storage. As a result, four large drawers can be implemented to increase luggage capacity.
Moving towards the aft of the aircraft you will find four seats in a club configuration. These seats are the focus of the cabin. The seats are fully tracking swing-out seats. In between the seats you will find executive tables that stow away neatly. Cessna has managed to neatly integrate eight large windows. These windows allow each passenger a great view and bring in a large amount of natural light.
At the very rear of the aircraft, passengers will find a belted flushing lavatory. This comes as standard.
As to be expected from a modern business aircraft, the cabin management system can be controlled from your personal device. As a result, you can stay entertained during the flight by streaming audio and video. A moving map can also be viewed to keep you updated on your travel progress. Furthermore, passengers can control the temperature and lighting of the cabin.
Charter Price
Current estimates suggest that the Cessna Citation Mustang will cost around $2,500 per hour to charter. Of course, this value will vary depending on availability, region, ground fees, and more. However, for the purposes of this comparison, $2,500 is a fair estimate.
Amazingly, the Citation M2 should cost around the same as the Mustang.
It is worth noting that while both aircraft can be piloted by just one person, reputable charter operators will always have two pilots in the cockpit. This is to ensure maximum safety.
Purchase Price
Given that these aircraft compete within the same aircraft category, are made by the same manufacturer, and are used for similar mission profiles, the purchase price for both is relatively similar.
The new list price for the Mustang back in 2006 was around $3.4 million. In comparison, the new list price for the Citation M2 is just under $5 million.
Therefore, if we adjust for inflation, the new price for both aircraft was about the same.
If we take a look at the pre-owned values, a similar story continues.
Since the production cycles of these two aircraft overlapped we can get the current and future values for aircraft of the same age.
Take a 2017 model of the Mustang for example. An aircraft of this age has a current value of $3.25 million.
A Citation M2 of the same age actually has a greater value of $4.2 million.
Interestingly, both the M2 and Mustang have a similar annual depreciation rate of 5.2%.
This, therefore, means that in 3 years the 2017 Mustang is estimated to be worth around $2.8 million while the M2 would be worth just over $3.5 million.
If you are looking to purchase a pre-owned aircraft you can view Controller or AvBuyer.
Summary
So, which aircraft is better?
Well, the Citation M2 slightly outperforms the Mustang in a lot of meaningful ways.
Additionally, there aren’t many sacrifices for the additional cabin size and, crucially, the enclosed lavatory.
Moreover, both aircraft have a similar depreciation figure and while the M2 will cost slightly more to own and operate on an annual basis, for many owners the additional comfort is a cost worth paying.
