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208 Caravan vs 500 Citation I

208 Caravan vs 500 Citation I at a glance — top speed 344 vs 665 km/h, range 1,980 vs 2,459 km, max takeoff weight 3,970 vs 5,375 kg, built 3,000 vs 689 units.

Cessna 208 Caravan military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 208 Caravan
Cessna 500 Citation I military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 500 Citation I
Specifications
208 Caravan 500 Citation I
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Cessna Cessna
First flight 9 December 1982 15 September 1969
Year introduced 1984 1971
Number produced 3000 units 689 units
Average unit price $2.1 million $900K
Wing area 26.0 m² 25.9 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m 14.4 m
Height 4.3 m 4.4 m
Length 12.7 m 13.3 m
Maximum speed 344 km/h 665 km/h
Operational range 1,980 km 2,459 km
Service ceiling 7,600 m 12,497 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,970 kg 5,375 kg
Empty weight 2,073 kg 3,008 kg
Total thrust 1 x 505 kW 2 x 998 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I is faster with a maximum speed of 665 km/h compared to the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h, a difference of 321 km/h.
Which has longer range, the 208 Caravan or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I has a longer range at 2,459 km compared to the 208 Caravan's 1,980 km.
Which can fly higher, the 208 Caravan or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the 208 Caravan's 7,600 meters (24,934 ft).
Which is heavier, the 208 Caravan or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,375 kg compared to the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg.
Which is larger, the 208 Caravan or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I is longer at 13.3 meters compared to the 208 Caravan's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the 208 Caravan or 500 Citation I?
The 208 Caravan is more expensive at approximately $2.1 million per unit compared to the 500 Citation I at $0.9 million.
Which entered service first, the 208 Caravan or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I entered service first in 1971, 13 years before the 208 Caravan which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the 208 Caravan or 500 Citation I?
The 208 Caravan has been produced in greater numbers with 3,000 units compared to 689 units of the 500 Citation I.