TBM 700 vs M500
The TBM 700 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Daher (TBM) TBM 700 (introduced 1990) beside the Piper Aircraft M500 (introduced 2015) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the TBM 700 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.
TBM 700 vs M500: the key differences
- The TBM 700 delivers 35% more range (TBM 700: 1,350 nm; M500: 1,000 nm).
- The TBM 700 delivers 15% more cruise speed (TBM 700: 300 kt; M500: 260 kt).
- The TBM 700 delivers 20% more passenger capacity (TBM 700: 6 seats; M500: 5 seats).
- The M500 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 1990 for the TBM 700), a gap of 25 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The TBM 700 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,579 lbs versus 5,092 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 regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the TBM 700 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?
On published specifications the TBM 700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The M500 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.
More comparisons
TBM 700 vs M500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the TBM 700 or the M500?
The TBM 700 has the longer published range — 1,350 nm versus 1,000 nm for the M500.
Does the TBM 700 or M500 seat more passengers?
The TBM 700 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 5 on the M500.
Which is faster, the TBM 700 or the M500?
The TBM 700 cruises faster, at 300 kt versus 260 kt for the M500.
Which is newer, the TBM 700 or the M500?
The M500 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 1990 for the TBM 700.
Is the TBM 700 or the M500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the TBM 700 is the larger aircraft — 6,579 lbs versus 5,092 lbs for the M500.
Should I buy the TBM 700 or the M500?
On published specifications the TBM 700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The M500 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 TBM 700 vs M500?
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.