Cessna Caravan vs Socata TBM 850

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 · refreshed daily

Cessna Caravan

No active listings right now.

Socata TBM 850
For sale now
23
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
6
Source marketplaces
5
Model years available
2006–2013

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 CaravanSocata TBM 850
All events2
Serious1
Fatal0
Fatalities0
% Fatal0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Caravan Socata TBM 850
View 72 listings →
Median $2,225,000
Socata TBM 850
View 22 listings →
Median $1,875,000
Price Range $1,395,000 – $3,700,000 $1,764,915 – $2,409,150
Category Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 14 6
Cruise Speed 175 kts (324 km/h) 320 kts (593 km/h)
Range 1,070 nm (1,982 km) 1,520 nm (2,815 km)
Max Gross Weight 7,394 lbs (3,354 kg)
Useful Load 3,585 lbs (1,626 kg)
Engines 1 x

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Caravan or Socata TBM 850?

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 Caravan if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,395,000 vs $1,764,915, you save ~$369,915.
  • More seats — 14 vs 6.
  • More inventory — 72 listings vs 22.

Pick the TBM 850 if…

  • Faster cruise — 320 kts vs 175 kts.
  • Longer range — 1520 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

Which is better, Cessna Caravan or Socata TBM 850?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Caravan cruises at 175 kts with 1,070 nm range. The TBM 850 cruises at 320 kts with 1,520 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 Caravan and Socata TBM 850?
Seats: 14 vs 6. Cruise: 175 vs 320 kts. Range: 1070 vs 1520 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
Caravan: 14 seats / 3,585 lb useful load. TBM 850: 6 seats. 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?
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