Cirrus Sr22t G6 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Piper M500
The Cirrus SR22T G6, Daher TBM 960, and Piper M500 sit in three distinct categories. The SR22T G6 is a high‑performance, pressurized single‑engine piston aircraft aimed at owner‑pilots who want speed and modern avionics without stepping into turbine costs. The TBM 960 is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop in the high‑end personal/business class, optimized for fast, efficient regional travel. The M500 is also a pressurized single‑engine turboprop, positioned below the TBM in speed and price, often viewed as an entry point to personal turboprop ownership. In range, the SR22T generally offers the shortest cross‑country capability, well suited to medium trips rather than long nonstop legs. The M500 typically extends that reach into longer regional segments, while the TBM 960 is commonly the longest‑leg aircraft of the three, designed for frequent, longer nonstop travel at higher cruise speeds. For passenger capacity, all can be configured around four to six seats, but practical passenger-and-baggage carrying is usually strongest in the turboprops, with the TBM 960 and M500 generally better suited to carrying more people and luggage with fuel than the SR22T.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | 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 960 | M500 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| 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 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 12600 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8244 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | TBM 960 | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | — | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 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 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 165 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 11.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 20 |