Beechcraft Duchess vs Piper Seneca
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Duchess | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $165,000 | $53,000 – $875,612 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 780 nm (1,445 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Duchess
Piper Seneca
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Duchess or Piper Seneca?
Pick the Duchess if…
- Longer range — 780 nm vs 750 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1972.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $53,000 vs $150,000, you save ~$97,000.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 140 kts.
- More inventory — 114 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 Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Duchess cruises at 140 kts with 780 nm range.
The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Duchess: from $150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Duchess and Piper Seneca?
Duchess engine: Lycoming O-360 (180 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 140 vs 180 kts.
Range: 780 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Seneca: 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?
Duchess: 4 seats / 1,000 lb useful load.
Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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.
Seneca: 1,800-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