The Embraer Legacy 500 and Dassault Falcon 2000LXS are two capable super midsize jets that can cruise far and fast.
However, there are crucial differences between these aircraft that will potentially impact the effectiveness of these aircraft for your mission profile.
Therefore, let’s take an in-depth look at the similarities and differences between these two aircraft.


Performance
Performance is always a key consideration when comparing two aircraft.
The Embraer Legacy 500 is powered by Honeywell HTF7500E engines, each providing a thrust output of 7,036 lbs (3,193 kg). This totals an overall thrust output of 14,072 lbs (6,386 kg) for the aircraft.
In comparison, the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C engines, each delivering 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) of thrust. This brings the total thrust output to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg).
Despite the Falcon 2000LXS having marginally less thrust, it is able to easily cruise faster than the Legacy, with a maximum cruise speed of 490 knots (908 km/h) versus 466 knots (864 km/h) of the Legacy 500.
However, when trying to extract the maximum range, the Legacy 500 is able to fly faster with a long-range cruise speed of 439 knots (813 km/h) compared with 435 knots (806 km/h) for the Falcon 2000LXS.
When it comes to the maximum altitude, the Falcon 2000LXS is able to cruise higher than the Legacy 500.
The Legacy 500 can reach a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) and its initial cruise altitude is 43,000 feet (13,106 meters). In comparison, the Falcon’s maximum altitude achievable is 47,000 feet (14,326 meters), and it cruises initially at 41,000 feet (12,497 meters).
Moreover, the Falcon 2000LXS is able to get to its initial cruise altitude quicker, with a climb rate of 4,310 feet (1,314 meters) per minute compared with 3,866 feet (1,179 meters) per minute for the Legacy 500.
As for fuel consumption, the Legacy 500 burns 243 gallons (920 liters) of fuel per hour. This is lower than the Falcon 2000LXS which burns, on average, 269 gallons (1,018 liters) of fuel per hour.
A higher cruise speed, such as that of the Falcon 2000LXS, allows for faster travel times, making it suitable for those who prioritize efficiency and time management.
On the other hand, a higher maximum altitude, also achieved by the Falcon 2000LXS, enables the aircraft to avoid air traffic and weather systems, resulting in smoother flights and less turbulence.
However, the Legacy 500 has a lower hourly fuel burn, which translates to cost savings.
Assuming that Jet A fuel costs $6 per gallon, and factoring in a yearly flying time of 300 hours, the Embraer Legacy 500 would use 72,900 gallons (276,078 liters) of fuel annually. This would cost $437,400.
In contrast, the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS would consume 80,700 gallons (305,406 liters), costing $484,200. Therefore, choosing the Legacy 500 would result in an annual saving of $46,800.
Range
When it comes to the range, the Legacy 500 can cover 3,125 nautical miles (5,787 kilometers) without needing to refuel.
On the other hand, the Falcon 2000LXS offers a more extended reach of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers).
As you can see from the map below, the Falcon 2000LXS is able to comfortably travel non-stop from New York to most of Europe. While the Legacy 500 can technically cross the Atlantic, it will be heavily influenced be weather and weight. Therefore, it will be unlikely that you will be able to always guarantee a transatlantic crossing.
These figures represent the maximum range under optimal conditions and are subject to change due to various factors.
One crucial factor that influences these figures is the total weight of the aircraft, encompassing passengers, luggage, and fuel.
An increase in load generally leads to higher fuel consumption, which in turn reduces the effective range.
Weather conditions also have a significant impact on the range. For instance, encountering strong headwinds during a flight can lead to increased fuel burn, thereby decreasing the range.
Conversely, tailwinds can enhance the range by reducing fuel consumption. Lastly, the altitude at which the aircraft operates can alter the range. Typically, flying at higher altitudes results in less air resistance, leading to lower fuel consumption and thereby extending the range.
Given their respective ranges, both the Legacy 500 and the Falcon 2000LXS can connect a variety of city pairs, providing enormous flexibility for travelers.

Ground Performance
When comparing the ground performance of the Embraer Legacy 500 and the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS, there are some notable differences.
The Legacy 500 requires a take-off distance of 4,084 feet (1,245 meters) and a landing distance of 2,122 feet (647 meters).
In contrast, the Falcon 2000LXS requires a longer take-off distance of 5,878 feet (1,792 meters) but has a slightly longer landing distance of 2,260 feet (689 meters).
A shorter take-off distance, as seen with the Legacy 500, provides several benefits.
It allows the aircraft to operate from smaller airports that may have shorter runways, which can offer more flexibility and convenience for passengers. It also means the aircraft can carry a heavier payload without needing a longer runway.
Similarly, a shorter landing distance can increase safety margins by reducing the risk of overshooting the runway, especially in adverse weather conditions or at airports with shorter runways.
These figures represent the best-case scenario, meaning they assume optimal conditions. Various factors can influence the ground performance of an aircraft.
Firstly, the weight of the aircraft, including passengers, cargo, and fuel, can significantly impact both the take-off and landing distances. The heavier the aircraft, the longer the runway is needed for both take-off and landing.
Secondly, weather conditions, particularly wind speed, and direction, can also affect ground performance. For instance, headwinds can reduce the take-off and landing distances, while tailwinds can increase them.
Lastly, the altitude of the airport plays a role as well. Higher altitude airports often require longer take-off distances due to the thinner air.
Interior Dimensions
In the world of private aviation, the comfort and luxury of the cabin interior are pivotal factors in selecting an aircraft.
The Embraer Legacy 500 features an interior length of 27.30 feet (8.32 meters), a width of 6.82 feet (2.08 meters), and a height of 6.00 feet (1.83 meters).
On the other hand, the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS has slightly smaller dimensions with an interior length of 26.18 feet (7.98 meters), but it compensates with a broader width of 7.68 feet (2.34 meters) and a slightly taller height of 6.17 feet (1.88 meters).
A longer cabin, such as that of the Legacy 500, offers more space for passengers to move around freely, enhancing their comfort during long flights. It also allows for additional seating or amenities depending on the configuration, increasing the versatility of the aircraft. In its maximum configuration, the Legacy 500 can accommodate up to 12 passengers, while typically, it seats 9 passengers.
On the contrary, a wider cabin like that of the Falcon 2000LXS provides more space for each passenger, enabling wider seating and increased personal space. This can significantly enhance the comfort level, especially on long-haul flights. Both its maximum and typical configurations can accommodate up to 10 passengers.
A taller cabin, which is a feature in the Falcon 2000LXS, allows for more headroom, making movement within the cabin easier and more comfortable, especially for taller passengers. It can also accommodate taller furnishings and fixtures, adding to the overall luxury and comfort.
Both aircraft feature a flat floor, a characteristic that offers several benefits. A flat floor makes movement within the cabin easier and safer, eliminating tripping hazards. It also allows for more flexible cabin configurations, including different seating arrangements and the possibility of including a bed for longer flights.
Interior
The Legacy 500 boasts a maximum cabin altitude of 5,800 feet (1,768 meters), while it can maintain a sea-level cabin up to an impressive altitude of 27,050 feet (8,245 meters). This means that even when the aircraft is flying at high altitudes, the pressure inside the cabin remains equivalent to that at sea level up to 27,050 feet, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant flight experience for passengers.
On the other hand, the Falcon 2000LXS has a slightly higher maximum cabin altitude of 7,200 feet (2,195 meters) but maintains a sea-level cabin up to a height of 25,300 feet (7,711 meters). While this is slightly lower than the Legacy 500, it still ensures a comfortable cabin environment for most of the flight duration.
A lower cabin altitude, like that of the Legacy 500, offers several benefits.
It can help reduce the effects of jet lag, as the body doesn’t have to work as hard to oxygenate the blood, leading to less fatigue and more energy after the flight. Lower cabin altitudes can also decrease the risk of altitude sickness and ensure a more comfortable journey, especially for passengers with respiratory conditions.
However, it’s worth noting that both these aircraft provide a cabin altitude experience well below the industry standard commercial cabin altitude of 8,000 feet, thereby ensuring a comfortable and pleasant journey for their passengers.
Embraer Legacy 500
Embraer have decked out the interior of the Legacy 500 to the highest standards. Despite being developed a decade ago, the interior design remains in vogue.
Having integrated distinguishable elements with a sustainable evolution of the product, the Legacy 500 stands out from the competition. Embraer describe the Legacy 500 as “luxury beyond compare”.
The Legacy 500 perfectly demonstrates Embraer’s attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. The cabin is a spacious 6 feet tall with a fully flat floor. This makes the cabin that much easier to move around. The furniture-like design of the fully reclining seats provides passengers with superior comfort. All seats are optimally placed next to windows in order to afford every passenger spectacular views of the world below.
At the front of the cabin you will, as is common, find the galley. The Legacy 500’s wet galley serves as an elegant, welcoming entryway to the aircraft. At the time of conception the galley was the largest in the midsize segment. Therefore making this the perfect aircraft for paramount dining.
Plenty of space and functionality can be attributed to the stowable tables which open flush to the side ledge. This, in tandem with the functional galley, make the Legacy 500 cabin the perfect place to work, dine and relax.
The Legacy 500 has a very respectable cabin altitude of 5,800 feet when flying at its maximum cruising altitude. Embraer have also worked their magic with the sound insulation in order to create a whisper quiet cabin. Benefits of this include easier conversations, peaceful environment for working and a feeling more rested on arrival.
Embraer Legacy 500



Dassault Falcon 2000LXS



Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
Inside the Falcon 2000LXS passengers are treated to peace and quiet. According to Dassault; passengers flying the 2000LXS “travel queitly, graciously and productively”.
The interior of the 2000LXS is spacious, stylish and quiet. The 2000LXS has a large interior for its segment and is described as being generous and luxurious in every way. No matter how long the flight is passengers will be comfortable.
Dassault have outfitted the aircraft with advanced connection technology and an intuitive cabin management system. The cabin management system is compatible with most smartphones, allowing you to control the cabin from everywhere.
The Falcon 2000LXS is 7 feet and 8 inches wide inside. This makes the cabin wider and more inviting than most of its competitors. The 2000LXS can accommodate up to 10 passengers for up to eight hours. Featuring a fully flat floor, headroom comes in at 6 feet 2 inches. Therefore, most passengers will be able to comfortably move around the cabin and stand up.
Dassault have been able to fit eighteen large windows that drench the interior in light. Windows are strategically placed next to seats in order to provide every passenger with a view. Frequent air circulation and fresh air ensures that you stay refreshed. As a result, jet lag should be reduced to a minimum on long flights.
Charter Price
In the realm of private aviation, cost efficiency is a significant consideration.
When comparing the Embraer Legacy 500 and the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS, there’s a noticeable difference in their charter costs per hour.
The Legacy 500 stands at $4,550 per hour, while the Falcon 2000LXS comes in higher at $5,500 per hour.
The higher charter cost for the Falcon 2000LXS could be attributed to its larger size, longer range, and more luxurious cabin, which may offer additional amenities compared to the Legacy 500.
However, it’s important to note that these costs are estimates and can vary based on several factors.
Firstly, the distance and duration of the flight can significantly influence the charter cost. Longer flights typically equate to higher costs due to increased fuel consumption and crew requirements.
Secondly, the specific route can also affect the price. Flights to or from busier airports or during peak travel times may incur higher fees due to increased demand and air traffic control costs.
Lastly, the level of service requested can also influence the cost. For instance, requesting gourmet meals or additional staff services can increase the overall charter cost.
Purchase Price
The new list price for the Legacy 500 is $18,400,000, while the Falcon 2000LXS is significantly higher at $34,000,000. This difference reflects the various features, capabilities, and brand prestige associated with each aircraft.
Looking at pre-owned models from 2015, the Legacy 500 is currently valued at $14,400,000, while a similar vintage Falcon 2000LXS is valued at $21,800,000.
However, the future value in three years is projected to be just over $12 million for the Legacy 500 and just over $18 million for the Falcon 2000LXS.
This represents a depreciation rate of 5.49% per annum for the Legacy 500 and 5.82% for the Falcon 2000LXS.
In terms of actual dollar amounts, over the next three years, the Legacy 500 will depreciate by approximately $2.2 million.
The Falcon 2000LXS, on the other hand, will lose around $3.6 million.
Given the slightly lower annual depreciation rate and the lower initial cost. the Legacy 500 loses less money over the ownership period.
It’s worth noting that the depreciation rate of a private jet is influenced by several factors.
Firstly, the age of the aircraft plays a crucial role, as older jets typically depreciate at a faster rate.
Secondly, the maintenance history and overall condition of the aircraft can significantly impact its value. An aircraft that has been well maintained and serviced regularly will retain its value better than one that hasn’t.
Lastly, market demand also influences depreciation. An aircraft model that is in high demand will likely depreciate slower than one with less market interest.
Summary
So, which aircraft comes out on top?
The Falcon 2000LXS is able to fly further than the Legacy 500. However, it burns more fuel, costs more to buy, and costs more to operate.
Moreover, the Legacy 500 is capable of carrying more passengers in a slightly longer cabin. Additionally, the Legacy 500 has a lower cabin altitude when cruising at its ceiling.
Therefore, if your mission take place in one continent then the Legacy 500 represents excellent value for money. However, if you need to cross oceans and travel between continents then the Falcon 2000LXS likely makes more sense.