Cessna Caravan vs Diamond Aircraft Da62 vs Tbm 900
The Cessna 208 Caravan and the Diamond Aircraft DA62 sit in different categories despite sometimes overlapping missions. The Caravan is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft designed for rugged, high‑payload work such as regional hauling, cargo, and short/rough‑field operations. The DA62 is a light, twin‑engine piston aircraft aimed more at efficient personal and business travel, with an emphasis on speed, comfort, and modern avionics. In range terms, the DA62 typically offers longer legs for passenger travel thanks to its efficient twin diesels, commonly around 1,000–1,300 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. The Caravan’s range is generally shorter, often roughly 800–1,100 nautical miles, varying widely with payload, fuel, and operating environment; it trades cruise efficiency for lift and flexibility. For passenger capacity, the Caravan usually seats more, commonly up to about 9 passengers (often 10–14 seats in commuter layouts depending on certification and interior), and it can be configured for significant cargo. The DA62 generally seats 5–7, prioritizing cabin refinement over maximum load.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Diamond Aircraft DA62 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 1.18 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Diamond Aircraft |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | DA62 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 1283 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.24 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 1565 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 225 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 190 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $1,290,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 5 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 3 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-114A | AE330 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 1800 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 180 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | Diesel / Jet Fuel |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Fuel Injected |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 86 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 89 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 30.1 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 47.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 9.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — |