Cessna Caravan vs Beechcraft 1900
The Beechcraft 1900 (19-seat pressurised twin-turboprop regional airliner, ~280 kt) and Cessna Caravan (10-14 seat unpressurised single-engine utility, ~186 kt) are very different aircraft — different size, different mission, different segment.
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 Caravan | Beechcraft 1900 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Caravan | Beechcraft 1900 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
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| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,700,000 | $2,950,000 |
| Category | — | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 14 | 19 |
| Cruise Speed | 175 kts (324 km/h) | 280 kts (519 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 17,120 lbs (7,766 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,585 lbs (1,626 kg) | — |
| Engines | 1 x | 2 x Turboprop |
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Caravan or Beechcraft 1900?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for utility/cargo/short-strip work at single-engine economics — the workhorse single. Step up to the 1900 only when you need 19-seat regional-airline capacity, pressurisation and a twin-turboprop airliner-class airframe.
Pick the Caravan if…
- Budget matters — from $1,395,000 vs $2,950,000, you save ~$1,555,000.
- More inventory — 72 listings vs 18.
Pick the 1900 if…
- More seats — 19 vs 14.
- Faster cruise — 280 kts vs 175 kts.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Caravan or Beechcraft 1900?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Caravan cruises at 175 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The 1900 cruises at 280 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Caravan and Beechcraft 1900?
Seats: 14 vs 19.
Cruise: 175 vs 280 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Caravan: 14 seats / 3,585 lb useful load.
1900: 19 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data