Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft in the “large single” category, optimized for short/rough strips and cargo or commuter work. It typically offers roughly 900–1,200 nm range depending on load and reserves, and commonly carries about 9–14 occupants in commuter layouts (often operated around 9 passengers for regulatory/comfort reasons). The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop in the personal/business category. It is built for speed and efficiency, with typical range around 1,500–1,700 nm and seating generally 4–6 passengers (up to about 6 plus pilot, depending on configuration). The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine piston helicopter in the light rotorcraft category. Its range is far shorter, typically a few hundred nautical miles (around 250–400 nm), and passenger capacity is usually 4 plus pilot (about 5 seats total). The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑engine turboprop business aircraft, combining jet‑like cruise with turboprop economics. Typical range is about 1,500–1,800 nm, with seating commonly 7–9 passengers.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | Avanti EVO |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 7 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Galley Location | MID | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6600 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | PT6A–66B |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 28 |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 47.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 14.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 13.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 35.2 |