Beechcraft Baron vs Piper Seneca vs Diamond DA62
The Beechcraft Baron, Piper Seneca and Diamond DA62 are three takes on the piston twin — the classic, fast Baron, the practical Seneca and the modern composite-diesel DA62. The Baron is the refined performer, the Seneca the affordable workhorse, and the DA62 the efficient, modern twin running on jet-A. Three ways to fly two engines. Where each trades now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 1966–1967
- For sale now
- 111
- Median asking
- $227,990
- Range
- $89,465–$640,128
- Model years available
- 1967–2023
- For sale now
- 62
- Median asking
- $1,401,151
- Range
- $1,042,000–$1,880,564
- Model years available
- 2016–2026
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 | Piper Seneca | Diamond DA62 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2 | — |
| Serious | — | 0 | — |
| Fatal | — | 0 | — |
| Fatalities | — | 0 | — |
| % Fatal | — | 0% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Baron | Piper Seneca | Diamond DA62 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Median $126,500
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $107,150 – $145,850 | $89,465 – $640,128 | $1,042,000 – $1,880,564 |
| Category | — | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 220 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 175 kts (324 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) | 5,070 lbs (2,300 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) | 1,300 lbs (590 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) | 79.0 gal (299 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,800 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 | $160 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Diesel |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Baron
Piper Seneca
Diamond DA62
Which Should You Buy?
Bottom line: Choose the Baron for a fast, refined twin with Beechcraft pedigree and strong performance. Choose the Seneca for an affordable, practical six-seat twin — a long-serving workhorse at a lower entry point. Choose the DA62 for modern efficiency — composite construction and jet-A diesels with low fuel burn and five-to-seven seats. On safety all three are piston twins offering engine-out redundancy but, like any light twin, rewarding engine-out proficiency; the differences are performance, cost and efficiency, not safety class. Refined performer, affordable workhorse, or modern diesel.
Pick the Baron if…
- Fastest cruise — 190 kts
Pick the Seneca if…
- Lowest entry price — from $89,465
- Most listings for sale — 114
Pick the DA62 if…
- Lowest operating cost — about $160/hr
- Most seats — 7
- Longest range — 1100 nm
- Newest design — built from 2015
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.