208 Caravan vs Twin Otter Series 400
The Twin Otter Series 400 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) and the De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Series 400 (introduced 2010) 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 cabin capacity, where the Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
208 Caravan vs Twin Otter Series 400: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan delivers 16% more range (208 Caravan: 1,070 nm; Twin Otter Series 400: 920 nm).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 2% more cruise speed (208 Caravan: 186 kt; Twin Otter Series 400: 182 kt).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 111% more passenger capacity (208 Caravan: 9 seats; Twin Otter Series 400: 19 seats).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan), a gap of 25 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 8,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 208 Caravan 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
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 Twin Otter Series 400, at 920 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 Twin Otter Series 400's range, the 208 Caravan's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the 208 Caravan when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Twin Otter Series 400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 208 Caravan 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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208 Caravan vs Twin Otter Series 400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 208 Caravan or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The 208 Caravan has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 920 nm for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Does the 208 Caravan 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 9 on the 208 Caravan.
Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The 208 Caravan cruises faster, at 186 kt versus 182 kt for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Which is newer, the 208 Caravan or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Twin Otter Series 400 is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan.
Is the 208 Caravan 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 8,000 lbs for the 208 Caravan.
Should I buy the 208 Caravan or the Twin Otter Series 400?
Choose the 208 Caravan when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Twin Otter Series 400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 208 Caravan 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 208 Caravan 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.