Beechcraft Duchess vs Cessna 421
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Duchess | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $165,000 | $100,000 – $749,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 780 nm (1,445 km) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Duchess
Cessna 421
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Duchess or Cessna 421?
Pick the Duchess if…
- Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1968.
Pick the 421 if…
- Budget matters — from $100,000 vs $150,000, you save ~$50,000.
- More seats — 8 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 780 nm.
- More inventory — 99 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 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Duchess cruises at 140 kts with 780 nm range.
The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Duchess: from $150,000.
Cessna 421: from $319,999.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Duchess and Cessna 421?
Duchess engine: Lycoming O-360 (180 hp).
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
Seats: 4 vs 8.
Cruise: 140 vs 230 kts.
Range: 780 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421: 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?
Duchess: 4 seats / 1,000 lb useful load.
421: 8 seats / 2,450 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.
421: 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