207 Stationair 8 vs 208 Caravan
The 208 Caravan leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 207 Stationair 8 (introduced 1969) and the Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the 208 Caravan has the advantage. 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.
207 Stationair 8 vs 208 Caravan: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan delivers 74% more range (207 Stationair 8: 615 nm; 208 Caravan: 1,070 nm).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 31% more cruise speed (207 Stationair 8: 142 kt; 208 Caravan: 186 kt).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 13% more passenger capacity (207 Stationair 8: 8 seats; 208 Caravan: 9 seats).
- The 208 Caravan is the newer design (introduced 1985 versus 1969 for the 207 Stationair 8), a gap of 16 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 3,800 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 207 Stationair 8, at 615 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 207 Stationair 8'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 207 Stationair 8 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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207 Stationair 8 vs 208 Caravan: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 207 Stationair 8 or the 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 615 nm for the 207 Stationair 8.
Does the 207 Stationair 8 or 208 Caravan seat more passengers?
The 208 Caravan carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 9 seats, compared with 8 on the 207 Stationair 8.
Which is faster, the 207 Stationair 8 or the 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan cruises faster, at 186 kt versus 142 kt for the 207 Stationair 8.
Which is newer, the 207 Stationair 8 or the 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan is the newer design, introduced in 1985 versus 1969 for the 207 Stationair 8.
Is the 207 Stationair 8 or the 208 Caravan the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 208 Caravan is the larger aircraft — 8,000 lbs versus 3,800 lbs for the 207 Stationair 8.
Should I buy the 207 Stationair 8 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 207 Stationair 8 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 207 Stationair 8 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.