Cirrus Sf50 vs Daher Tbm 940 vs Piper M500
The Daher TBM 940 and Piper M500 are both pressurized, single‑engine turboprop aircraft aimed at owner‑pilots and personal or business travel, but they sit in slightly different segments. The TBM 940 is generally positioned as the higher‑performance, higher‑end option, emphasizing speed and advanced avionics automation, while the M500 is often viewed as a more entry‑accessible pressurized turboprop with a focus on simplicity and value. In range, the TBM 940 typically offers the longer reach in real‑world cruise planning, making it better suited to longer nonstop trips, whereas the M500’s range is usually shorter and more aligned with regional missions. For passenger capacity, both are commonly configured for a pilot plus up to five passengers (six seats total), with practical loading and comfort varying by fuel, baggage, and mission profile. Overall, the TBM 940 tends to favor longer, faster cross‑country capability, while the M500 targets efficient, straightforward pressurized turboprop travel.
| Spec | Daher TBM 940 | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 940 | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.78 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Refreshment Centre | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8244 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-66D | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 291 | 170 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 30 | 20 |