Cessna Citation M2 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500
The Cessna Citation M2 is a light twin‑engine business jet optimized for short to midrange missions, typically offering around 1,550 nautical miles of range and seating commonly arranged for about 6–7 passengers. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop focused on speed and efficiency, generally reaching about 1,700 nautical miles of range and typically carrying about 4–6 passengers in a comfortable executive layout. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a larger single‑engine turboprop known for versatility and cabin volume, usually offering roughly 1,800 nautical miles of range and seating that can be configured from executive layouts up to about 8–9 passengers in typical corporate use. The Piper M500 is a single‑engine turboprop positioned as a lower‑cost, simpler alternative, with range on the order of about 1,000 nautical miles and a typical seating capacity of about 4–5 passengers. Overall, the M2 targets jet buyers, the TBM 960 emphasizes fast personal/business travel, the PC‑12 NGX prioritizes space and utility, and the M500 prioritizes accessibility.
| Spec | Cessna Citation M2 | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.45 | $ 2.25 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | M2 | TBM 960 | PC-12 NGX | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1400 | 1730 | 1803 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.78 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3810 | 2908 | — | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,395 | $ 744 | $ 793 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 404 | 330 | 290 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $5,150,000 | $4,450,000 | $5,350,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No | Optional | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | — | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — | — | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.5 | 6.2 | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 22027 | 14390 | 13100 | 12600 |
| Galley Location | — | MID | — | MID |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 8244 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | FJ44-1AP-21 | TBM 960 | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 7 | ISA + 49 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 1965 | — | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 516 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 492 | — | — | 170 |
| Horsepower | — | 850 | 1200 | 500 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.6 | 35.3 | 47.25 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.3 | 42.1 | 53.33 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4 | 5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 11 | 13.4 | 16.9 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14 | — | 14 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | — | 4.25 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 8.8 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 40 | 20 |