185 Skywagon vs PC-6 Porter
185 Skywagon and PC-6 Porter are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 185 Skywagon (introduced 1961) against the Pilatus Aircraft PC-6 Porter (introduced 1959) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PC-6 Porter carries more passengers. undefined
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185 Skywagon vs PC-6 Porter: the key differences
- The 185 Skywagon delivers 9% more range (185 Skywagon: 720 nm; PC-6 Porter: 660 nm).
- The 185 Skywagon delivers 14% more cruise speed (185 Skywagon: 145 kt; PC-6 Porter: 127 kt).
- The PC-6 Porter delivers 67% more passenger capacity (185 Skywagon: 6 seats; PC-6 Porter: 10 seats).
- The 185 Skywagon is the newer design (introduced 1961 versus 1959 for the PC-6 Porter), a gap of 2 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PC-6 Porter is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,173 lbs versus 3,350 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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 PC-6 Porter 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?
Choose the 185 Skywagon when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PC-6 Porter when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 185 Skywagon holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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185 Skywagon vs PC-6 Porter: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 185 Skywagon or the PC-6 Porter?
The 185 Skywagon has the longer published range — 720 nm versus 660 nm for the PC-6 Porter.
Does the 185 Skywagon or PC-6 Porter seat more passengers?
The PC-6 Porter carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 6 on the 185 Skywagon.
Which is faster, the 185 Skywagon or the PC-6 Porter?
The 185 Skywagon cruises faster, at 145 kt versus 127 kt for the PC-6 Porter.
Which is newer, the 185 Skywagon or the PC-6 Porter?
The 185 Skywagon is the newer design, introduced in 1961 versus 1959 for the PC-6 Porter.
Is the 185 Skywagon or the PC-6 Porter the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PC-6 Porter is the larger aircraft — 6,173 lbs versus 3,350 lbs for the 185 Skywagon.
Should I buy the 185 Skywagon or the PC-6 Porter?
Choose the 185 Skywagon when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PC-6 Porter when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 185 Skywagon holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 185 Skywagon vs PC-6 Porter?
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.