Beechcraft Baron B55 vs Cessna 404
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft Baron B55
- For sale now
- 41
- Median asking
- $189,000
- Range
- $117,900–$402,000
- Model years available
- 1961–1982
Cessna 404
- For sale now
- 6
- Model years available
- 1976–1981
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 B55 | Cessna 404 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 39 |
| Serious | — | 3 |
| Fatal | — | 12 |
| Fatalities | — | 42 |
| % Fatal | — | 31% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Baron B55 | Cessna 404 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $117,900 – $402,000 | $168,428 – $568,928 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 375 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 200 kts (370 km/h) |
| Range | 990 nm (1,833 km) | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 19,500 ft (5,944 m) | 26,000 ft (7,925 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | 8,400 lbs (3,810 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,750 lbs (794 kg) | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 136.0 gal (515 L) | 212.0 gal (802 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 26.0 GPH (98 L/h) | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $38,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $280 | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Baron B55
Fuel$143/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Cessna 404
Fuel$220/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$38,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$118,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron B55 or Cessna 404?
Pick the Baron B55 if…
- Budget matters — from $117,900 vs $168,428, you save ~$50,528.
- Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $400/hr.
- More inventory — 43 listings vs 6.
Pick the 404 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 190 kts.
- Longer range — 1100 nm vs 990 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1964.
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 B55 or Cessna 404?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Baron B55 cruises at 190 kts with 990 nm range.
The 404 cruises at 200 kts with 1,100 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Baron B55: from $129,900.
Cessna 404: from $595,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Baron B55 and Cessna 404?
404 engine: CONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-M (375 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 10.
Cruise: 190 vs 200 kts.
Range: 990 vs 1100 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Baron B55: about $280/hr variable cost.
404: 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?
Baron B55: 6 seats / 1,750 lb useful load.
404: 10 seats / 2,700 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 B55: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
404: 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