Cessna 208 vs De Havilland DHC-2
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 208
No active listings right now.
De Havilland DHC-2
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $485,000
- Range
- $349,000–$1,370,000
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | 147 |
| Serious | 28 | 10 |
| Fatal | 115 | 35 |
| Fatalities | 392 | 112 |
| % Fatal | 35% | 24% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | De Havilland DHC-2 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | $349,000 – $1,370,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 450 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 124 kts (230 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) | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 2,100 lbs (953 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | 95.0 gal (360 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 24.0 GPH (91 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | $250 |
| 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
Fuel$132/hr
Variable$250/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$85,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or De Havilland DHC-2?
Pick the 208 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 455 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1948.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 8.
Pick the DHC-2 if…
- Budget matters — from $349,000 vs $1,395,000, you save ~$1,046,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$250/hr vs $700/hr.
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 208 or De Havilland DHC-2?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The DHC-2 cruises at 124 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: from $495,000.
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?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
DHC-2 engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 6.
Cruise: 170 vs 124 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208: about $700/hr variable cost.
DHC-2: about $250/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: 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.
DHC-2: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000.
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