Beechcraft Duchess vs Cessna 340
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Duchess | Cessna 340 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $165,000 | $90,000 – $1,650,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 195 kts (361 km/h) |
| Range | 780 nm (1,445 km) | 1,180 nm (2,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 163.0 gal (617 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $28,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $320 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Duchess
Cessna 340
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$92,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Duchess or Cessna 340?
Pick the Duchess if…
- Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1972.
Pick the 340 if…
- Budget matters — from $90,000 vs $150,000, you save ~$60,000.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 195 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 1180 nm vs 780 nm.
- More inventory — 84 listings vs 2.
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 Duchess or Cessna 340?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Duchess cruises at 140 kts with 780 nm range.
The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Duchess: from $150,000.
Cessna 340: from $169,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Duchess and Cessna 340?
Duchess engine: Lycoming O-360 (180 hp).
340 engine: Continental TSIO-520-K.
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 140 vs 195 kts.
Range: 780 vs 1180 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340: about $320/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?
Duchess: 4 seats / 1,000 lb useful load.
340: 6 seats / 1,840 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?
Duchess: 2,000-hour TBO.
340: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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