Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Piper M350 vs Piper Seneca
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, optimized for short/rough-field work and high payload flexibility. It typically seats around 9 to 14 passengers depending on configuration and is commonly used for regional commuter, cargo, and special-mission roles. Its range is generally in the roughly 900–1,000+ nautical mile class with typical reserves, varying with load and conditions. The Piper M350 is a pressurized single‑engine piston aircraft focused on owner-operator business travel. It usually carries about 4 to 6 passengers in a comfortable cabin, with a typical range around 1,200–1,300 nautical miles depending on power settings and winds. It emphasizes speed and all-weather capability rather than maximum seats. The Piper Seneca is a light twin‑engine piston aircraft aimed at training, charter, and personal transport where redundancy is valued. It generally seats 5 to 6 passengers, with a typical range around 700–900 nautical miles. Compared with the M350 it usually trades some range and pressurization for twin‑engine capability, while offering more conventional GA operating economics than a turboprop like the Caravan.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Piper M350 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | $ 1.34 | $ 1.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Piper | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | M350 | Seneca |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 1343 | 828 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.28 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | 1308 | 1331 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | $ 285 | $ 337 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 213 | 200 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $1,195,000 | $1,095,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | — | — |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 5.6 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No |
| Model | PT6A-140 | TIO-540-AE2A | TSIO-360-RB |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 | 1800 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 350 | 220 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | 120 | 122 |
| Fuel Type | — | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 | — |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 29 | 28.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 43 | 39 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.8 | 12.3 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.1 | 11.4 | 10 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 20 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 13 | — |