Beechcraft Baron 58 vs Cessna 310
The Baron 58 (high-end six-seat piston twin, ~200 kt) and Cessna 310 (six-seat piston twin, ~195 kt) are direct piston-twin competitors — both Continental IO-520/550 powered, both classic 1960s-2000s twins. The Baron is the refined Beechcraft; the 310 is the workhorse Cessna.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Baron 58 | Cessna 310 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $139,500 – $1,945,000 | $79,950 – $270,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Horsepower | — | 240 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 190 kts (352 km/h) |
| Range | 1,225 nm (2,269 km) | 800 nm (1,482 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,688 ft (6,306 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,846 lbs (837 kg) | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 166.0 gal (628 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $38,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $310 | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Baron 58
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$310/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$90,000/yr
Cessna 310
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron 58 or Cessna 310?
Bottom line: Choose the Baron 58 for refined Beechcraft cabin, stronger residual values and the still-young modern fleet (production ran until 2023). Choose the 310 for typically lower acquisition cost and the broader Cessna support network — accepting older systems and out-of-production status.
Pick the Baron 58 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- Longer range — 1225 nm vs 800 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1970 vs 1956.
- More inventory — 125 listings vs 41.
Pick the 310 if…
- Budget matters — from $79,950 vs $139,500, you save ~$59,550.
- Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $310/hr.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft Baron 58 or Cessna 310?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Baron 58 cruises at 190 kts with 1,225 nm range.
The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Baron 58: from $325,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Baron 58 and Cessna 310?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 5.
Cruise: 190 vs 190 kts.
Range: 1225 vs 800 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Baron 58: about $310/hr variable cost.
310: about $280/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?
Baron 58: 6 seats / 1,846 lb useful load.
310: 5 seats / 1,700 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?
Baron 58: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
310: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
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