Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Piper M600 vs Daher Tbm 940
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a utility turboprop optimized for rugged, short-field operations and high payload flexibility. It typically carries more people than the other two, commonly seating around 9–14 passengers depending on configuration, but it trades speed and refined cabin comfort for workhorse capability. Its range is generally in the roughly 900–1,200 nautical mile class depending on load, reserves, and conditions. The Piper M600 is a pressurized, single‑engine turboprop positioned as an owner-flown personal aircraft. It usually seats about 5–6 passengers in a club-style cabin and offers a longer-range profile than the Caravan, commonly around 1,200–1,500 nautical miles, with higher cruise speeds and a more executive-oriented interior. The Daher TBM 940 is a high-performance, pressurized single‑engine turboprop aimed at fast personal and business travel. It also typically seats about 4–6 passengers, but emphasizes speed and efficiency; its range is broadly similar to the M600, often around 1,400–1,700 nautical miles, with the quickest point-to-point capability of the three.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Daher TBM 940 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | TBM 940 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-140 | PT6A-66D |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | ISA + 49 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | 291 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 35.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 42.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.8 | 13.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.1 | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 30 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 |