Grand Caravan EX vs PC-6 Porter
The Grand Caravan EX leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation Grand Caravan EX (introduced 2013) beside the Pilatus Aircraft PC-6 Porter (introduced 1959) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Grand Caravan EX has the advantage. undefined
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Grand Caravan EX vs PC-6 Porter: the key differences
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 62% more range (Grand Caravan EX: 1,070 nm; PC-6 Porter: 660 nm).
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 46% more cruise speed (Grand Caravan EX: 185 kt; PC-6 Porter: 127 kt).
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 40% more passenger capacity (Grand Caravan EX: 14 seats; PC-6 Porter: 10 seats).
- The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design (introduced 2013 versus 1959 for the PC-6 Porter), a gap of 54 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Grand Caravan EX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (8,807 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 Grand Caravan EX 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 Grand Caravan EX's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Grand Caravan EX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PC-6 Porter 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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Grand Caravan EX vs PC-6 Porter: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Grand Caravan EX or the PC-6 Porter?
The Grand Caravan EX has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 660 nm for the PC-6 Porter.
Does the Grand Caravan EX or PC-6 Porter seat more passengers?
The Grand Caravan EX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 14 seats, compared with 10 on the PC-6 Porter.
Which is faster, the Grand Caravan EX or the PC-6 Porter?
The Grand Caravan EX cruises faster, at 185 kt versus 127 kt for the PC-6 Porter.
Which is newer, the Grand Caravan EX or the PC-6 Porter?
The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design, introduced in 2013 versus 1959 for the PC-6 Porter.
Is the Grand Caravan EX or the PC-6 Porter the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Grand Caravan EX is the larger aircraft — 8,807 lbs versus 6,173 lbs for the PC-6 Porter.
Should I buy the Grand Caravan EX or the PC-6 Porter?
On published specifications the Grand Caravan EX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PC-6 Porter 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 Grand Caravan EX 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.