Beechcraft Baron G58 vs Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair vs Piper M500
The Beechcraft Baron G58 is a piston-powered, twin‑engine light aircraft oriented toward owner‑pilots who value redundancy and strong cruise performance for regional trips. Typical range is roughly 1,000–1,300 nautical miles depending on power settings and reserves, and seating is generally for 5 to 6 people. The Cessna Turbo Stationair (turbocharged 206) is a single‑engine, piston utility aircraft known for high useful load and flexibility, often used for family travel, backcountry access, and commercial utility work. Its range is commonly in the 600–900 nautical mile class, and it typically carries up to 6 occupants, with a cabin and loading arrangement that prioritizes cargo and easy access. The Piper M500 is a pressurized, single‑engine turboprop positioned as a step‑up personal/business aircraft with higher speed and altitude capability. It generally offers about 1,000–1,300 nautical miles of range and typically seats 5 to 6, emphasizing comfortable, efficient cross‑country travel rather than utility hauling.
| Spec | Beechcraft Baron G58 | Cessna Turbo Stationair | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 1.72 | $ 1.08 | $ 3.11 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Cessna | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | Baron G58 | 206 Turbo Stationair | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1480 | 703 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.29 | $ 0.18 | $ 0.78 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1450 | — | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 347 | $ 174 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 202 | 161 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,495,000 | $745,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | — | No |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8244 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | IO-550-C | TIO-540-AJ1A | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 1700 | 2000 | 3600 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 | — |
| Horsepower | 300 | 350 | 500 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 194 | 87 | 170 |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 55 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 29.9 | 28.3 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 37.9 | 36 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 3.5 | 3.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.6 | 12.1 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.8 | 9.4 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 150 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 46 | 11 | 20 |