Piper Malibu vs Piper Meridian
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $221,274 – $4,582,731 | $738,946 – $2,613,432 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 198 kts (367 km/h) | 241 kts (446 km/h) |
| Range | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) | 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 1,362 lbs (618 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 120.0 gal (454 L) | 170.0 gal (643 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $650 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Piper Meridian
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu or Piper Meridian?
Pick the Malibu if…
- Budget matters — from $221,274 vs $738,946, you save ~$517,672.
- Lower operating cost — ~$190/hr vs $650/hr.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 1000 nm.
- More inventory — 313 listings vs 113.
Pick the Meridian if…
- Faster cruise — 241 kts vs 198 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2000 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 Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
The Meridian cruises at 241 kts with 1,000 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $221,274.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Malibu and Piper Meridian?
Cruise: 198 vs 241 kts.
Range: 1300 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/hr variable cost.
Meridian: about $650/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.
Meridian: 6 seats / 1,362 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.
Meridian: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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