Beechcraft 1900 vs Cessna 208
The Beechcraft 1900 (19-seat pressurised twin-turboprop regional airliner, ~280 kt) and Cessna Caravan (10-14 seat unpressurised single-engine utility, ~186 kt) are very different aircraft — different size, different mission, different segment.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Beechcraft 1900 | Cessna 208 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 332 |
| Serious | 1 | 28 |
| Fatal | 0 | 115 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 392 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 35% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft 1900 | Cessna 208 |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 |
| Category | — | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 19 | 10 |
| Horsepower | — | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 280 kts (519 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | 1,480 nm (2,741 km) | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 17,120 lbs (7,766 kg) | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) |
| Useful Load | 5,650 lbs (2,563 kg) | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 335.0 gal (1268 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 85.0 GPH (322 L/h) | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $120,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $700 |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft 1900
Fuel$468/hr
Cessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft 1900 or Cessna 208?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for utility/cargo/short-strip work at single-engine economics — the workhorse single. Step up to the 1900 only when you need 19-seat regional-airline capacity, pressurisation and a twin-turboprop airliner-class airframe.
Pick the 1900 if…
- More seats — 19 vs 10.
- Faster cruise — 280 kts vs 170 kts.
- Longer range — 1480 nm vs 1070 nm.
Pick the 208 if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Beechcraft 1900 and Cessna Caravan?
Capacity and certification class. The Beechcraft 1900D (two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67D, ~1,279 shp each, nineteen seats, twin turboprop, pressurized, ~290 kt) is a regional commuter airliner designed for scheduled airline operations. The Cessna 208B Caravan (one PT6A-114A, ~675 shp, up to fourteen seats, single turboprop, unpressurized, ~185 kt) is a utility single — cargo, charter, skydiving, and floatplane. The 1900 is the commuter airliner; the Caravan is the utility workhorse.
Beechcraft 1900 or Caravan — which turboprop?
They serve entirely different markets. The 1900 is for airline-category commuter and charter operations needing nineteen-seat twin-turboprop capability. The Caravan is for versatile single-pilot utility — cargo, float, jump, charter. For commuter airline operations, only the 1900 qualifies; for versatile single-pilot utility, only the Caravan qualifies.
Who operates the 1900 versus the Caravan?
Beechcraft 1900 operators are primarily regional airlines, commuter charter, and medevac operations requiring nineteen-seat certified twin capacity. Caravan operators include bush operators, skydiving, parcel-feeder cargo, floatplane tours, and owner-operators. The 1900 is institutional; the Caravan is versatile.
How do specs compare?
Beechcraft 1900D: two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67D (~1,279 shp each), nineteen seats, twin turboprop, pressurized, ~290 kt. Cessna 208B Grand Caravan: one PT6A-114A (~675 shp), up to fourteen seats, single turboprop, unpressurized, ~185 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Caravan is substantially less expensive per flight hour — a single engine versus a twin turboprop, lower fuel burn, simpler systems, and a massive installed base that keeps maintenance costs competitive. The 1900's twin turboprop and nineteen-seat airframe carry proportionally higher costs per operating hour.
Which should I buy?
Beechcraft 1900 for regional airline, commuter charter, and institutional nineteen-seat operations — among the smallest certified commuter airliners. Cessna Caravan for utility single-turboprop operations — cargo, float, jump, or owner-operated feeder. These aircraft do not compete for the same buyer.
Which is better, Beechcraft 1900 or Cessna 208?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 1900 cruises at 280 kts with 1,480 nm range.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft 1900 and Cessna 208?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Seats: 19 vs 10.
Cruise: 280 vs 170 kts.
Range: 1480 vs 1070 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208: about $700/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
1900: 19 seats / 5,650 lb useful load.
208: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
208: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data