Cessna Citation M2 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Honda Aircraft Hondajet Elite
The Cessna Citation M2 and HondaJet Elite are both light jets aimed at short-to-medium business trips, while the Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance single‑engine turboprop that competes on efficiency and runway flexibility rather than pure jet speed. In category terms, the M2 is a straightforward entry-level light jet, the HondaJet Elite is a light jet with a distinctive over‑the‑wing engine layout and typically strong efficiency for its class, and the TBM 960 sits in the premium turboprop segment with jet-like cruise capability. On range, the TBM 960 generally offers the longest legs, often able to stretch farther than typical light jets depending on payload and conditions. The M2 and HondaJet Elite usually fall into a similar “light jet” range band suitable for regional missions, with real-world results varying with passenger count, winds, and reserves. For passenger capacity, all three are commonly flown with about four to five passengers in comfort. The Citation M2 and HondaJet Elite typically advertise seating for up to around six (plus pilots), while the TBM 960 can also be configured for up to about six passengers, though practical load and baggage needs often shape the usable seat count.
| Spec | Cessna Citation M2 | Daher TBM 960 | Honda Aircraft HondaJet Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.45 | $ 2.25 | $ 2.73 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM | Honda Aircraft |
| Aircraft Name | M2 | TBM 960 | HondaJet Elite |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1400 | 1730 | 1495 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3810 | 2908 | 3432 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,395 | $ 744 | $ 1,135 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 404 | 330 | 419 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $5,150,000 | $4,450,000 | $ 5,400,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | — |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | No | — | No |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 6 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.5 | 6.2 | 8.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 22027 | 14390 | 23060 |
| Galley Location | — | MID | FWD |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-1AP-21 | TBM 960 | HF120-H1A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 7 | ISA + 49 | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 1965 | — | 2050 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 516 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 492 | — | 439 |
| Horsepower | — | 850 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.6 | 35.3 | 42.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.3 | 42.1 | 39.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — | 0.4 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.1 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 11 | 13.4 | 12.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14 | — | 14.9 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | — | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 8.8 | — | 10.2 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46 | — | 66 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | — |