Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Daher Tbm 960
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ and Cessna Citation M2 are both light business jets, while the Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance single‑engine turboprop. In category terms, the CJ3+ sits higher in the light‑jet class, offering more cabin volume and typically more capability than the entry-level M2, which is positioned as a smaller, simpler light jet for shorter missions. The TBM 960 is not a jet, but it competes on speed and efficiency for regional travel, often using shorter runways and lower operating costs than jets. For range, the CJ3+ generally provides the longest legs of the three, making it better suited to longer nonstop trips. The M2 typically has the shortest range, aligning with its role in shorter, frequent business hops. The TBM 960 usually falls between them: often longer-legged than the M2 in practice, though usually not matching the CJ3+. For passenger capacity, the CJ3+ commonly accommodates around 6 to 9 passengers depending on configuration, the M2 typically seats about 4 to 7, and the TBM 960 is usually configured for about 4 to 6 passengers.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation M2 | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 3.45 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | M2 | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1400 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 3810 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,395 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 404 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,150,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR |
| Aircraft Type | — | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 8.5 | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 22027 | 14390 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-1AP-21 | TBM 960 |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 3500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 49 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 1965 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 516 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 492 | — |
| Horsepower | — | — | 850 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 42.6 | 35.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 47.3 | 42.1 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 11 | 13.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 8.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 46 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 123 |