Socata TB-20 Trinidad vs Piper Malibu
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Socata TB-20 Trinidad | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $67,000 – $368,109 | $221,274 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 250 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 157 kts (291 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 887 nm (1,643 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,076 lbs (488 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 86.0 gal (326 L) | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateSocata TB-20 Trinidad
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/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: Socata TB-20 Trinidad or Piper Malibu?
Pick the TB-20 Trinidad if…
- Budget matters — from $67,000 vs $221,274, you save ~$154,274.
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $190/hr.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 157 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 887 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1982.
- More inventory — 303 listings vs 31.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Socata TB-20 Trinidad or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The TB-20 Trinidad cruises at 157 kts with 887 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?
Piper Malibu: from $496,655.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Socata TB-20 Trinidad and Piper Malibu?
Seats: 5 vs 6.
Cruise: 157 vs 198 kts.
Range: 887 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TB-20 Trinidad: about $150/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?
TB-20 Trinidad: 5 seats / 1,076 lb useful load.
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?
TB-20 Trinidad: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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