Cessna 208 vs De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
The DHC-2 Beaver (radial/turbine bush single) and Cessna 208 Caravan (turbine utility) compare a classic bush hauler against the modern utility turboprop.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 208
No active listings right now.
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
- For sale now
- 25
- Median asking
- $695,000
- Range
- $340,000–$1,225,000
- Model years available
- 1951–1967
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 | De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | — |
| Serious | 28 | — |
| Fatal | 115 | — |
| Fatalities | 392 | — |
| % Fatal | 35% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | $340,000 – $1,225,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 450 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 455 nm (843 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 2,100 lbs (953 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 25.0 GPH (95 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER
Fuel$138/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for modern turbine reliability, payload and a large support network; choose the Beaver for classic bush/float character and STOL pedigree (turbine-converted Beavers bridge the gap). Caravan = modern/payload; Beaver = classic bush/float.
Pick the 208 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 455 nm.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 2.
Pick the DHC-2 Beaver if…
- Budget matters — from $340,000 vs $1,395,000, you save ~$1,055,000.
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 DHC-2 Beaver and Cessna 208 Caravan?
Heritage vs modern turboprop. The DHC-2 Beaver (R-985 radial, ~450 hp, 7 seats, float/ski/taildragger, ~130 kt) is a 1940s Canadian bush legend. The Cessna 208 Caravan (PT6A-114A, ~675 shp, 14 seats, float-capable, ~185 kt) is the modern turboprop utility standard — twice the seats, more speed, and turbine reliability.
DHC-2 Beaver or Cessna 208 Caravan — which utility floatplane?
Buy the Caravan if: 14-seat capacity, modern turboprop economics, and global PT6A support define the float or utility operation. Buy the Beaver if: seven-seat classic float operations, the Beaver's iconic status, and radial-engine character define the mission — and if turbine-converted Beavers are within budget.
How does the Caravan compare to the Beaver for float operations?
The Caravan's PT6A turboprop and 14 seats give it significantly more payload and capacity than the Beaver. The Beaver's smaller size, lower speed, and STOL capability make it more suited to short water runways and island operations where the Caravan cannot fit. Both are proven float aircraft; the mission size dictates the choice.
How do specs compare?
DHC-2 Beaver: R-985 (~450 hp radial), 7 seats, float/ski/wheel, ~130 kt. Cessna 208B Caravan: PT6A-114A (~675 shp), 14 seats, float-capable, turboprop, ~185 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Caravan's turboprop PT6A delivers better fuel efficiency per passenger-nm at its capacity. The Beaver's radial burns more fuel for fewer seats. However, Beaver acquisition cost depends heavily on condition and turbine-conversion status. For per-seat-mile economics, the Caravan wins; for small-group float operations, the Beaver can be comparable.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 208 for modern 14-seat float and utility operations with global PT6A support. DHC-2 Beaver for classic seven-seat float and STOL bush operations — when heritage, radial character, and access to the smallest water runways matter more than capacity.
Which is better, Cessna 208 or De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The DHC-2 BEAVER cruises at 110 kts with 455 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER: from $650,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 208 and De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 6.
Cruise: 170 vs 110 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 455 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.
DHC-2 Beaver: 6 seats / 2,100 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data