TBM 940 vs M500
The TBM 940 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Daher (TBM) TBM 940 (introduced 2019) against the Piper Aircraft M500 (introduced 2015) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the TBM 940 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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TBM 940 vs M500: the key differences
- The TBM 940 delivers 73% more range (TBM 940: 1,730 nm; M500: 1,000 nm).
- The TBM 940 delivers 27% more cruise speed (TBM 940: 330 kt; M500: 260 kt).
- The TBM 940 delivers 20% more passenger capacity (TBM 940: 6 seats; M500: 5 seats).
- The TBM 940 is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 2015 for the M500), a gap of 4 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The TBM 940 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,394 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 940 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 940 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.
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TBM 940 vs M500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the TBM 940 or the M500?
The TBM 940 has the longer published range — 1,730 nm versus 1,000 nm for the M500.
Does the TBM 940 or M500 seat more passengers?
The TBM 940 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 5 on the M500.
Which is faster, the TBM 940 or the M500?
The TBM 940 cruises faster, at 330 kt versus 260 kt for the M500.
Which is newer, the TBM 940 or the M500?
The TBM 940 is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 2015 for the M500.
Is the TBM 940 or the M500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the TBM 940 is the larger aircraft — 7,394 lbs versus 5,092 lbs for the M500.
Should I buy the TBM 940 or the M500?
On published specifications the TBM 940 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 940 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.