M500 vs M600
The M600 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Piper Aircraft M500 (introduced 2015) beside the Piper Aircraft M600 (introduced 2017) 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 M600 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.
M500 vs M600: the key differences
- The M600 delivers 66% more range (M500: 1,000 nm; M600: 1,658 nm).
- The M600 delivers 5% more cruise speed (M500: 260 kt; M600: 274 kt).
- The M600 delivers 20% more passenger capacity (M500: 5 seats; M600: 6 seats).
- The M600 is the newer design (introduced 2017 versus 2015 for the M500), a gap of 2 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The M600 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,000 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 M600 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 M600 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
M500 vs M600: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the M500 or the M600?
The M600 has the longer published range — 1,658 nm versus 1,000 nm for the M500.
Does the M500 or M600 seat more passengers?
The M600 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 5 on the M500.
Which is faster, the M500 or the M600?
The M600 cruises faster, at 274 kt versus 260 kt for the M500.
Which is newer, the M500 or the M600?
The M600 is the newer design, introduced in 2017 versus 2015 for the M500.
Is the M500 or the M600 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the M600 is the larger aircraft — 6,000 lbs versus 5,092 lbs for the M500.
Should I buy the M500 or the M600?
On published specifications the M600 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 M500 vs M600?
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.