Cessna 206 vs Piper Saratoga
The Cessna 206 Stationair (six-seat high-wing fixed-gear, ~140-150 kt) and Piper Saratoga (six-seat low-wing, ~150-165 kt) are direct six-seat cross-country competitors — different design philosophies, similar mission.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 160
- Median asking
- $470,636
- Range
- $171,175–$898,750
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 63
- Source marketplaces
- 20
- Model years available
- 1962–2026
- For sale now
- 170
- Median asking
- $226,400
- Range
- $115,250–$495,525
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 64
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1965–2007
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 206 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 292 | 1 |
| Serious | 23 | 0 |
| Fatal | 55 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 147 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 19% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 206 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $171,175 – $898,750 | $115,250 – $495,525 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 142 kts (263 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 840 nm (1,556 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $170 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 206
Piper Saratoga
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 206 or Piper Saratoga?
Bottom line: Choose the 206 for rough-field utility, the cargo double door and high-wing visibility — the working six-seater. Choose the Saratoga for higher cruise, the lower-wing club- seating cabin and the family/business mission focus.
Pick the 206 if…
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $115,250 vs $171,175, you save ~$55,925.
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $175/hr.
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 142 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 840 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1964.
- More inventory — 171 listings vs 160.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.