Cessna 208 vs Socata TBM 850
The Cessna 208 Caravan (single-engine unpressurised utility turboprop, ~186 kt, ~9-14 seats, cargo door) and Daher TBM (single-engine pressurised cross-country turboprop, ~285-330 kt depending on variant, ~4-6 seats) are very different aircraft — utility vs cross-country.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 208
No active listings right now.
Socata TBM 850
- For sale now
- 23
- Model years available
- 2006–2013
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 | Socata TBM 850 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | 2 |
| Serious | 28 | 1 |
| Fatal | 115 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 392 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 35% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | Socata TBM 850 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | $1,764,915 – $2,409,150 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 850 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 320 kts (593 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 1,520 nm (2,815 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | 7,394 lbs (3,354 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
Socata TBM 850
Fuel$302/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or Socata TBM 850?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for utility/cargo/short-strip work — the unique combination of 9-14 seat capacity, large cargo door and rough-field capability. Choose the TBM for pressurised ~330 kt cross-country in a single-engine turboprop — completely different mission.
Pick the 208 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,395,000 vs $1,764,915, you save ~$369,915.
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 22.
Pick the TBM 850 if…
- Faster cruise — 320 kts vs 170 kts.
- Longer range — 1520 nm vs 1070 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 208 Caravan and SOCATA TBM 850?
Utility vs speed — the same dynamic as the TBM 900 pair. The TBM 850 (PT6A-66D, flat-rated ~850 shp, ~320 kt, 5–6 seats, pressurised) is the prior-generation TBM. The Caravan (PT6A-114A, ~675 shp, 14 seats, ~185 kt) is a utility turboprop in a different class. The TBM 850 is slightly slower than the 900.
Caravan or TBM 850 — which turboprop?
Same mission split as the TBM 900 vs Caravan. Buy the Caravan for 14-seat utility, cargo, and floatplane operations. Buy the TBM 850 for owner-pilot high-speed travel (~320 kt, pressurised, 5–6 seats) — typically at lower acquisition cost than the TBM 900.
How does the TBM 850 differ from the TBM 900?
Both use the same PT6A-66D flat-rated to ~850 shp — the 900 is not more powerful. The 900's higher speed (~330 kt vs ~320 kt) comes from aerodynamic refinements (winglets, a redesigned cowling, and a five-blade propeller), not extra horsepower. The 850 typically commands a lower used-market price for nearly the same mission capability.
How do specs compare?
TBM 850: PT6A-66D (flat-rated ~850 shp), 5–6 seats, pressurised, ~320 kt. Cessna 208B Caravan: PT6A-114A (~675 shp), 14 seats, ~185 kt, utility.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Caravan's PT6A-114A is less expensive per hour. The TBM 850's acquisition cost is lower than the 900 and can be compelling. For utility operations, the Caravan's economics are better; for owner-pilot travel, the TBM 850 offers near-900 speed at a lower purchase price.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 208 for utility, cargo, and 14-seat operations. TBM 850 for owner-pilot turboprop travel at ~320 kt and lower acquisition cost than the TBM 900 — when slightly less speed is acceptable for the price delta.
Which is better, Cessna 208 or Socata TBM 850?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The TBM 850 cruises at 320 kts with 1,520 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 208 and Socata TBM 850?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 6.
Cruise: 170 vs 320 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 1520 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208: about $700/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.
TBM 850: 6 seats / 1,400 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.
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