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CompareSeminole vs P2008
Aircraft comparison

Seminole vs P2008

The Seminole leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.

The Piper Aircraft Seminole (introduced 1978) and the Tecnam P2008 (introduced 2009) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Seminole carries more passengers. undefined

Seminole

Piper Aircraft

Seminole

P2008

Tecnam

P2008

Performance
Range
920 nm
720 nm
Cruise speed
168 kt
120 kt
Max speed
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Service ceiling
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Rate of climb
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Capacity & dimensions
Max seats
4
2
Crew
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Max takeoff weight
3,800 lbs
1,320 lbs
Length
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Cabin height
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Powerplant
Engines
2 × Piston
1 × Piston
Engine model
Lycoming O-360-E1AD (x2, counter-rotating)
Rotax 912iS Sport

6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.

Seminole vs P2008: the key differences

  • The Seminole delivers 28% more range (Seminole: 920 nm; P2008: 720 nm).
  • The Seminole delivers 40% more cruise speed (Seminole: 168 kt; P2008: 120 kt).
  • The Seminole delivers 100% more passenger capacity (Seminole: 4 seats; P2008: 2 seats).
  • The P2008 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 1978 for the Seminole), a gap of 31 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
  • The Seminole is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,800 lbs versus 1,320 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
  • The two differ in powerplant layout: the Seminole runs 2 engines against 1 on the P2008 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.

Which mission suits which aircraft

Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Seminole 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 Seminole leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The P2008 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.

Seminole vs P2008: FAQs

Which has the longer range, the Seminole or the P2008?

The Seminole has the longer published range — 920 nm versus 720 nm for the P2008.

Does the Seminole or P2008 seat more passengers?

The Seminole carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the P2008.

Which is faster, the Seminole or the P2008?

The Seminole cruises faster, at 168 kt versus 120 kt for the P2008.

Which is newer, the Seminole or the P2008?

The P2008 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 1978 for the Seminole.

Is the Seminole or the P2008 the larger aircraft?

By maximum takeoff weight the Seminole is the larger aircraft — 3,800 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the P2008.

Should I buy the Seminole or the P2008?

On published specifications the Seminole leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The P2008 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 Seminole vs P2008?

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.

How advisory works