Cessna 208 vs Socata TBM 900
The Cessna 208 Caravan (single-engine unpressurised utility turboprop, ~186 kt, ~9-14 seats, cargo door) and Daher TBM (single-engine pressurised cross-country turboprop, ~285-330 kt depending on variant, ~4-6 seats) are very different aircraft — utility vs cross-country.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 208
No active listings right now.
Socata TBM 900
- For sale now
- 11
- Model years available
- 2014–2023
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 | Socata TBM 900 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | — |
| Serious | 28 | — |
| Fatal | 115 | — |
| Fatalities | 392 | — |
| % Fatal | 35% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | Socata TBM 900 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | $2,737,500 – $3,041,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 850 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 330 kts (611 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 1,730 nm (3,204 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 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
Socata TBM 900
Fuel$330/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or Socata TBM 900?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for utility/cargo/short-strip work — the unique combination of 9-14 seat capacity, large cargo door and rough-field capability. Choose the TBM for pressurised ~330 kt cross-country in a single-engine turboprop — completely different mission.
Pick the 208 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,395,000 vs $2,737,500, you save ~$1,342,500.
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 10.
Pick the TBM 900 if…
- Faster cruise — 330 kts vs 170 kts.
- Longer range — 1730 nm vs 1070 nm.
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 SOCATA TBM 900 and Cessna 208 Caravan?
Speed vs utility. The TBM 900 (Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D, flat-rated ~850 shp, 5–6 seats, ~330 kt, pressurised) is a high-performance pressurised turboprop optimised for owner-pilot speed. The Cessna 208 Caravan (PT6A-114A, ~675 shp, 14 seats, ~185 kt) is a utility turboprop — maximising cargo capacity and passenger count, not speed.
TBM 900 or Cessna 208 — which turboprop?
Fundamentally different aircraft for different missions. Buy the TBM 900 if: owner-pilot high-speed single-engine turboprop travel, 5–6 seat pressurised performance, and ~330 kt cruise define the mission. Buy the Caravan if: 14-seat utility, cargo, skydiving, float operations, and global PT6A support are the mission — speed is not the priority.
How does the TBM 900's speed compare?
The TBM 900's ~330 kt is nearly double the Caravan's ~185 kt — one of the fastest single-engine turboprops ever certified. This speed makes the TBM 900 competitive with small twin turboprops on point-to-point travel time.
How do specs compare?
TBM 900: PT6A-66D (flat-rated ~850 shp), 5–6 seats, pressurised, ~330 kt. Cessna 208B Caravan: PT6A-114A (~675 shp), 14 seats, ~185 kt, float-capable.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Caravan's PT6A-114A is less powerful and less expensive per hour than the TBM 900's PT6A-66D. For the Caravan's utility missions (cargo, skydiving), it is the economical turboprop tool. The TBM 900's higher fuel burn is justified by its dramatically higher speed for owner-pilot travel.
Which should I buy?
TBM 900 for owner-pilot high-speed turboprop travel — ~330 kt, pressurised, 5–6 seats. Cessna 208 Caravan for utility, cargo, and 14-seat operations — when payload and versatility matter more than speed.
Which is better, Cessna 208 or Socata TBM 900?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The TBM 900 cruises at 330 kts with 1,730 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 Socata TBM 900?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 6.
Cruise: 170 vs 330 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 1730 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?
208: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load.
TBM 900: 6 seats / 1,400 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data