Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX and the Piper M600 SLS sit in different categories despite both being single‑engine turboprops. The Grand Caravan EX is primarily a utility and regional transport aircraft, optimized for short fields, rugged operations, and high payload volume. The M600 SLS is a pressurized, high‑performance personal and business aircraft focused on speed, comfort, and advanced avionics. On range, the M600 SLS is generally the longer‑legged aircraft for typical executive missions, offering roughly about 1,000–1,600 nautical miles depending on configuration, reserves, and power settings. The Grand Caravan EX typically delivers around 900–1,200 nautical miles, varying with payload, fuel, and mission profile, and is often operated on shorter, frequent sectors. For passenger capacity, the Grand Caravan EX is the clear leader, commonly configured for about 9 to 14 passengers (and can be arranged for cargo or mixed use). The M600 SLS is usually configured for one pilot plus up to five passengers in a six‑seat cabin, prioritizing space and amenities over seat count.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-140 | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 43.2 |
| 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 | 11.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 |