De Havilland DHC-2 vs Piper Malibu
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | De Havilland DHC-2 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $325,000 – $1,595,626 | $221,274 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 450 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 395 nm (732 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 95.0 gal (360 L) | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 25.0 GPH (95 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $250 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDe Havilland DHC-2
Fuel$138/hr
Variable$250/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$85,000/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: De Havilland DHC-2 or Piper Malibu?
Pick the DHC-2 if…
Pick the Malibu if…
- Budget matters — from $221,274 vs $325,000, you save ~$103,726.
- Lower operating cost — ~$190/hr vs $250/hr.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 109 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 395 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1948.
- More inventory — 312 listings vs 26.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, De Havilland DHC-2 or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DHC-2 cruises at 109 kts with 395 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?
De Havilland DHC-2: from $425,000.
Piper Malibu: from $496,655.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DHC-2 and Piper Malibu?
DHC-2 engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp).
Cruise: 109 vs 198 kts.
Range: 395 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DHC-2: about $250/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?
DHC-2: 6 seats.
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?
DHC-2: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000.
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