208 Caravan vs DHC-5 Buffalo

The 208 Caravan and the DHC-5 Buffalo are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Cessna and De Havilland Canada respectively. Top speed is 344 km/h for the 208 Caravan vs 467 km/h for the DHC-5 Buffalo. The 208 Caravan has an operational range of 1,980 km vs 1,100 km for the DHC-5 Buffalo. The DHC-5 Buffalo operates at altitudes up to 9,449 m compared to 7,600 m for the 208 Caravan. At 22,317 kg MTOW, the DHC-5 Buffalo is 5.6x the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg. The 208 Caravan has been produced in 3,000 units vs 122 for the DHC-5 Buffalo. Unit cost is $2.1M for the 208 Caravan vs $25M for the DHC-5 Buffalo. The DHC-5 Buffalo first flew 18 years before the 208 Caravan (1964 vs 1982).

American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s.
Cessna 208 Caravan Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Cessna
First flight 9 December 1982
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 3000 units
Average unit price $2.1 million
Canadian tactical transport aircraft, primarily utilized during the 1960s, notably deployed for civilian and military air-drop operations.
De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 9 April 1964
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 122 units
Average unit price $25 million
Wing area 26.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.9 m â—‰
Height 4.3 m â—‰
Length 12.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 344 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,980 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,600 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 3,970 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,073 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 505 kW â—‰
Wing area 88.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m â—‰
Height 8.8 m â—‰
Length 24.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 467 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,100 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,449 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 22,317 kg â—‰
Empty weight 11,412 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 2,336 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo is faster with a maximum speed of 467 km/h compared to the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h, a difference of 123 km/h.
Which has longer range, the 208 Caravan or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The 208 Caravan has a longer range at 1,980 km compared to the DHC-5 Buffalo's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the 208 Caravan or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo has a higher service ceiling at 9,449 meters (31,000 ft) compared to the 208 Caravan's 7,600 meters (24,934 ft).
Which is heavier, the 208 Caravan or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22,317 kg compared to the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg.
Which is larger, the 208 Caravan or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo is longer at 24.0 meters compared to the 208 Caravan's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the 208 Caravan or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the 208 Caravan at $2.1 million.
Which entered service first, the 208 Caravan or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo entered service first in 1965, 19 years before the 208 Caravan which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the 208 Caravan or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The 208 Caravan has been produced in greater numbers with 3,000 units compared to 122 units of the DHC-5 Buffalo.