185 Skywagon vs Twin Otter Series 400
The Twin Otter Series 400 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 185 Skywagon (introduced 1961) beside the De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Series 400 (introduced 2010) 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 Twin Otter Series 400 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 Twin Otter Series 400: the key differences
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 28% more range (185 Skywagon: 720 nm; Twin Otter Series 400: 920 nm).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 26% more cruise speed (185 Skywagon: 145 kt; Twin Otter Series 400: 182 kt).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 217% more passenger capacity (185 Skywagon: 6 seats; Twin Otter Series 400: 19 seats).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon), a gap of 49 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (12,500 lbs versus 3,350 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 185 Skywagon runs 1 engine against 2 on the Twin Otter Series 400 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Twin Otter Series 400 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Twin Otter Series 400 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 Twin Otter Series 400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 185 Skywagon or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Twin Otter Series 400 has the longer published range — 920 nm versus 720 nm for the 185 Skywagon.
Does the 185 Skywagon or Twin Otter Series 400 seat more passengers?
The Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 6 on the 185 Skywagon.
Which is faster, the 185 Skywagon or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Twin Otter Series 400 cruises faster, at 182 kt versus 145 kt for the 185 Skywagon.
Which is newer, the 185 Skywagon or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Twin Otter Series 400 is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon.
Is the 185 Skywagon or the Twin Otter Series 400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft — 12,500 lbs versus 3,350 lbs for the 185 Skywagon.
Should I buy the 185 Skywagon or the Twin Otter Series 400?
On published specifications the Twin Otter Series 400 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 Twin Otter Series 400?
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.