Cessna TU206 vs Piper Malibu
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna TU206 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $226,102 – $649,000 | $221,331 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 148 kts (274 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,340 lbs (608 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $24,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $170 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna TU206
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$24,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$58,000/yr
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna TU206 or Piper Malibu?
Pick the TU206 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $190/hr.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Budget matters — from $221,331 vs $226,102, you save ~$4,771.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 148 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 800 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1977.
- More inventory — 296 listings vs 6.
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 TU206 or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The TU206 cruises at 148 kts with 800 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $630,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna TU206 and Piper Malibu?
TU206 engine: Continental TSIO-520-C (310 hp).
Cruise: 148 vs 198 kts.
Range: 800 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TU206: about $170/hr variable cost.
Malibu: about $190/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?
TU206: 6 seats / 1,340 lb useful load.
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
TU206: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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