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.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft Baron 58
- For sale now
- 121
- Median asking
- $449,000
- Range
- $189,635–$1,319,400
- Model years available
- 1970–2024
Cessna 310
No active listings right now.
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) | Beechcraft Baron 58 | Cessna 310 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 584 |
| Serious | — | 42 |
| Fatal | — | 181 |
| Fatalities | — | 354 |
| % Fatal | — | 31% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Baron 58 | Cessna 310 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,635 – $1,319,400 | — |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 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) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg) | 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,846 lbs (837 kg) | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 166.0 gal (628 L) | 100.0 gal (378 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 Piston |
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.
Pick the 310 if…
- 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
What's the key difference between the Beechcraft Baron 58 and Cessna 310?
The Baron 58 is the larger, heavier, more powerful twin — Continental IO-550-C engines (300 hp each), six seats, approximately 200 kt cruise. The Cessna 310R uses Continental IO-520-M engines (285 hp each), six seats, approximately 195 kt cruise. Both are unpressurized piston twins; the Baron is the larger, more capable aircraft at higher acquisition and operating cost.
Baron 58 or Cessna 310 — which twin should I buy?
Buy the Baron 58 if the larger cabin volume, higher useful load, and IO-550 power margin suit the mission, and acquisition cost is not the primary constraint. Buy the 310 if its lighter, more aerodynamically efficient airframe and lower operating cost serve the mission — the 310 is slightly more economical while delivering similar performance. Both carry six; the Baron's edge is cabin volume and payload.
How do the cabins compare?
The Baron 58 has a longer, wider fuselage than the 310 — more shoulder room and better headroom for tall passengers. The 310's cabin is narrower and shorter; six adults in a 310 is tight. For regular six-person operations, the Baron 58's larger cabin is a tangible operational advantage.
How do specs compare?
Baron 58: Continental IO-550-C (~300 hp each), six seats, ~200 kt, ~1,480 nm. Cessna 310R: Continental IO-520-M (~285 hp each), six seats, ~195 kt, ~1,000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 310 has a modest operating-cost advantage — the IO-520 overhaul costs less than the IO-550, and the lighter 310 burns slightly less fuel at equivalent cruise. The Baron 58's IO-550 is more expensive to overhaul but delivers more power margin. For operators who value economy the 310 is the sensible choice; for those who value cabin and payload, the Baron justifies its cost.
Which should I buy?
Baron 58 for the largest practical cabin in an unpressurized piston twin, IO-550 power, and Beechcraft build quality. Cessna 310R for a slightly more economical twin at comparable performance, with the deepest used-market inventory among piston twins. Both are well-supported; the deciding factor is cabin size and payload versus operating economy.
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 $599,000.
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