Aerostar 601P vs Cessna 421
The Aerostar 601P and Cessna 421 are pressurised cabin-class piston twins — the Aerostar the fastest piston twin (sleek, mid-wing), the 421 a roomier cabin-class hauler.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Aerostar 601P
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 1975–1978
Cessna 421
- For sale now
- 85
- Median asking
- $410,912
- Range
- $138,945–$683,750
- Model years available
- 1968–1984
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) | Aerostar 601P | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 326 |
| Serious | 0 | 23 |
| Fatal | 2 | 121 |
| Fatalities | 6 | 342 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 37% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Aerostar 601P | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $129,500 – $385,550 | $138,945 – $683,750 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 290 HP | 375 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 260 kts (482 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 1,086 nm (2,011 km) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAerostar 601P
Fuel$220/hr
Cessna 421
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Aerostar 601P or Cessna 421?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 421 for cabin room, payload and easier systems; choose the Aerostar 601P for class-leading speed (sleeker, faster) — rewarding expert maintenance and currency. 421 = cabin/payload; Aerostar = speed.
Pick the 601P if…
- Budget matters — from $129,500 vs $138,945, you save ~$9,445.
- Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 230 kts.
Pick the 421 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1086 nm.
- More inventory — 7 listings vs 4.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Aerostar 601P and Cessna 421 Golden Eagle?
Speed vs proven support. The Cessna 421 Golden Eagle (GTSIO-520-N, 375 hp each, 6–8 seats, pressurised twin, ~200–210 kt) is a well-supported pressurised piston twin — one of Cessna's most successful cabin-class aircraft. The Aerostar 601P (turbocharged Lycoming IO-540, ~290 hp each, 6 seats, pressurised, ~230–250 kt) is notably faster — the speed leader among pressurised piston twins.
Aerostar 601P or Cessna 421 — which pressurised twin?
Buy the 421 if: the Cessna Continental GTSIO-520 support network, more seats (6–8 vs 6), and well-established pressurised twin ownership infrastructure define the choice. Buy the Aerostar 601P if: the highest cruise speed in pressurised piston twins (~230–250 kt) is the priority — the Aerostar is faster than the 421.
Why is the Aerostar 601P so much faster than similar aircraft?
The Aerostar's fuselage is exceptionally aerodynamic for a piston twin, with low drag and engines mounted at mid-wing. This gives it cruise performance significantly above the 421 despite similar installed horsepower per side. The speed advantage is real and well-documented in the Aerostar community.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 421C: GTSIO-520-N (375 hp each), 6–8 seats, pressurised, ~200–210 kt. Aerostar 601P: turbocharged IO-540 (~290 hp each), 6 seats, pressurised, ~230–250 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 421's geared GTSIO-520 engines are more expensive to overhaul than the Aerostar's IO-540 variants. The Aerostar's smaller engine may be less costly per overhaul event. However, the 421's larger fleet means more competition among shops and better parts availability.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 421 for a well-supported pressurised piston twin with more seats and the Cessna service network. Aerostar 601P for the fastest pressurised piston twin — when cruise speed above ~230 kt justifies the more specialist support community.
Which is better, Aerostar 601P or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 601P cruises at 260 kts with 1,086 nm range.
The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Aerostar 601P: from $274,515.
Cessna 421: from $393,219.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aerostar 601P and Cessna 421?
421 engine: CONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-D (375 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 8.
Cruise: 260 vs 230 kts.
Range: 1086 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421: about $400/hr variable cost.
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?
601P: 6 seats / 1,800 lb useful load.
421: 8 seats / 2,450 lb useful load.
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?
421: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000.
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