Cessna T206H vs Piper Saratoga

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna T206H Piper Saratoga
Cessna T206H
View 74 listings →
Median $562,780
Piper Saratoga
View 167 listings →
Median $220,000
Price Range $160,294 – $1,150,000 $39,900 – $745,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 310 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 148 kts (274 km/h) 163 kts (302 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 950 nm (1,759 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,340 lbs (608 kg) 1,360 lbs (617 kg)
Fuel Capacity 102.0 gal (386 L)
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) 15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $20,000
Hourly Variable $185 $170
Engines 1 x Reciprocating 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna T206H

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$185/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $59,000/yr

Piper Saratoga

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $54,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna T206H or Piper Saratoga?

Pick the T206H if…

  • Newer design — production from 1998 vs 1980.

Pick the Saratoga if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $160,294, you save ~$120,394.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $185/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 148 kts.
  • Longer range — 950 nm vs 800 nm.
  • More inventory — 167 listings vs 74.

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 T206H or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget. The T206H cruises at 148 kts with 800 nm range. The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna T206H: from $900,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna T206H and Piper Saratoga?
T206H engine: Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A (310 hp). Cruise: 148 vs 163 kts. Range: 800 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
T206H: about $185/hr variable cost. Saratoga: about $170/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?
T206H: 6 seats / 1,340 lb useful load. Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
T206H: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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