185 Skywagon vs 208 Caravan
The 208 Caravan leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 185 Skywagon (introduced 1961) beside the Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 208 Caravan carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
185 Skywagon vs 208 Caravan: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan delivers 49% more range (185 Skywagon: 720 nm; 208 Caravan: 1,070 nm).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 28% more cruise speed (185 Skywagon: 145 kt; 208 Caravan: 186 kt).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 50% more passenger capacity (185 Skywagon: 6 seats; 208 Caravan: 9 seats).
- The 208 Caravan is the newer design (introduced 1985 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon), a gap of 24 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 208 Caravan is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (8,000 lbs versus 3,350 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The 208 Caravan is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,070 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 185 Skywagon, at 720 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 185 Skywagon's range, the 208 Caravan's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 208 Caravan leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 185 Skywagon can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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185 Skywagon vs 208 Caravan: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 185 Skywagon or the 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 720 nm for the 185 Skywagon.
Does the 185 Skywagon or 208 Caravan seat more passengers?
The 208 Caravan carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 9 seats, compared with 6 on the 185 Skywagon.
Which is faster, the 185 Skywagon or the 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan cruises faster, at 186 kt versus 145 kt for the 185 Skywagon.
Which is newer, the 185 Skywagon or the 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan is the newer design, introduced in 1985 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon.
Is the 185 Skywagon or the 208 Caravan the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 208 Caravan is the larger aircraft — 8,000 lbs versus 3,350 lbs for the 185 Skywagon.
Should I buy the 185 Skywagon or the 208 Caravan?
On published specifications the 208 Caravan leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 185 Skywagon can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 185 Skywagon vs 208 Caravan?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.