208 Caravan vs PC-6 Porter
208 Caravan and PC-6 Porter are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) 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 range, where the 208 Caravan has the advantage. 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 PC-6 Porter: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan delivers 62% more range (208 Caravan: 1,070 nm; PC-6 Porter: 660 nm).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 46% more cruise speed (208 Caravan: 186 kt; PC-6 Porter: 127 kt).
- The PC-6 Porter delivers 11% more passenger capacity (208 Caravan: 9 seats; PC-6 Porter: 10 seats).
- The 208 Caravan is the newer design (introduced 1985 versus 1959 for the PC-6 Porter), a gap of 26 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 6,173 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 PC-6 Porter, at 660 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 PC-6 Porter'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 PC-6 Porter 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 PC-6 Porter: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 208 Caravan or the PC-6 Porter?
The 208 Caravan has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 660 nm for the PC-6 Porter.
Does the 208 Caravan or PC-6 Porter seat more passengers?
The PC-6 Porter carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 9 on the 208 Caravan.
Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or the PC-6 Porter?
The 208 Caravan cruises faster, at 186 kt versus 127 kt for the PC-6 Porter.
Which is newer, the 208 Caravan or the PC-6 Porter?
The 208 Caravan is the newer design, introduced in 1985 versus 1959 for the PC-6 Porter.
Is the 208 Caravan or the PC-6 Porter the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 208 Caravan is the larger aircraft — 8,000 lbs versus 6,173 lbs for the PC-6 Porter.
Should I buy the 208 Caravan or the PC-6 Porter?
Choose the 208 Caravan when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PC-6 Porter 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 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.