Piper Malibu vs Piper M350
The Piper M350 (current PA-46 piston, 2015-present, Garmin G1000 NXi) is the modern re-branded continuation of the Malibu Mirage (1989-2014) — same fundamental aircraft, modernised cockpit and refined systems.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu | Piper M350 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $221,274 – $4,582,731 | $599,000 – $2,098,059 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 350 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 198 kts (367 km/h) | 200 kts (370 km/h) |
| Range | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) | 1,343 nm (2,487 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) | 4,340 lbs (1,969 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 1,220 lbs (553 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 120.0 gal (454 L) | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 18.0 GPH (68 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Piper M350
Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$62,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu or Piper M350?
Bottom line: Choose the M350 for the modern Garmin G1000 NXi cockpit and the youngest available piston PA-46. Choose the older Malibu/Mirage for materially lower acquisition cost on the used market — same cabin and similar performance.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Budget matters — from $221,274 vs $599,000, you save ~$377,726.
- Lower operating cost — ~$190/hr vs $200/hr.
- More inventory — 303 listings vs 38.
Pick the M350 if…
- Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 198 kts.
- Longer range — 1343 nm vs 1300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2015 vs 1984.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Malibu or Piper M350?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
The M350 cruises at 200 kts with 1,343 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $221,274.
Piper M350: from $1,200,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Malibu and Piper M350?
Cruise: 198 vs 200 kts.
Range: 1300 vs 1343 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/hr variable cost.
M350: about $200/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?
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 lb useful load.
M350: 6 seats / 1,220 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?
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
M350: 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