Cessna 208 vs Cessna 408
The Cessna 408 SkyCourier (twin-engine utility) and 208 Caravan (single-engine utility) are both Cessna cargo/commuter workhorses — the SkyCourier offers twin-engine redundancy and far greater payload/volume; the Caravan offers single-engine simplicity and lower operating cost.
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) | Cessna 208 | Cessna 408 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | — |
| Serious | 28 | — |
| Fatal | 115 | — |
| Fatalities | 392 | — |
| % Fatal | 35% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | Cessna 408 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | — |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 19 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 1,100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 200 kts (370 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 900 nm (1,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | 17,500 lbs (7,938 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | 550.0 gal (2082 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 120.0 GPH (454 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | $130,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | $750 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
Cessna 408
Fuel$660/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$130,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$280,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or Cessna 408?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for the lowest-cost single-engine utility flying with a vast global fleet. Step up to the SkyCourier when payload, cabin volume and twin-engine redundancy justify the higher acquisition and operating cost.
Pick the 208 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$700/hr vs $750/hr.
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 900 nm.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 2.
Pick the 408 if…
- More seats — 19 vs 10.
- Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 170 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2022 vs 1984.
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 Cessna 408 SkyCourier and the 208 Caravan?
Size and capacity. The 408 SkyCourier is a purpose-designed large twin-turboprop — up to 19 passenger seats or standard freight containers — built for scheduled cargo and regional operations. The 208B Grand Caravan seats up to 14 and operates as a versatile single-engine utility and charter aircraft. The 408 is larger, heavier, and twin-engine; the 208 is the more versatile, lower-cost multi-role platform.
408 or 208 — which turboprop utility aircraft?
Buy the 408 if scheduled cargo operations, 19-passenger regional charter, or maximum payload with twin-engine redundancy is the mission — it is purpose-built for high-density commercial utility. Buy the 208 if mission versatility is the priority — bush flying, float operations, cargo, charter, medevac, small-group transport. The 208 handles varied roles the 408 cannot, at lower cost.
What roles does the 208 handle that the 408 doesn't?
Float operations (the 208 has proven amphibious and float versions; the 408 does not), medevac configurations, dirt and gravel-strip operations at lower weights, and the full range of bush and remote-area utility roles where the 208's established infrastructure of approved modifications is critical. The 408 is a point-to-point cargo/passenger aircraft; the 208 is a multi-role utility platform.
How do speed and payload compare?
408 SkyCourier: two PT6A-65-series engines, ~200 kt cruise, roughly double the payload of the Caravan. 208B: a single PT6A-114A (~675 shp), ~165–170 kt cruise, lower payload. The 408 carries roughly double the load at modestly higher speed, with twin-engine redundancy.
How do specs compare?
408: two PT6A-65-series, up to 19 passengers or freight, ~200 kt cruise, twin engine. 208B: one PT6A-114A, up to 14 passengers, ~165 kt cruise, single engine, float-capable.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 208B is significantly less expensive to operate — a single smaller engine, a lighter airframe, lower fuel burn, and a vastly larger parts and maintenance infrastructure. The 408's two larger engines cost more per hour. For operators who can fill the 408's greater capacity, the per-unit economics can close the gap; for smaller missions, the 208 is the more economical aircraft per flight.
Which should I buy?
208 for versatile multi-role utility — the established platform for bush, float, charter, cargo, and medevac globally. 408 for scheduled cargo feeder and high-density short-haul passenger operations where the 208's capacity is genuinely insufficient. The 208 is the correct aircraft for most buyers; the 408 serves a specific commercial niche.
Which is better, Cessna 208 or Cessna 408?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The 408 cruises at 200 kts with 900 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 Cessna 208 and Cessna 408?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
408 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT6A-65B (1100 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 19.
Cruise: 170 vs 200 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 900 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208: about $700/hr variable cost.
408: about $750/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?
208: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load.
408: 19 seats / 6,000 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.
408: 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