Beechcraft Duke 60 vs Cessna 340
The Beechcraft Duke 60 (pressurised cabin-class piston twin, ~240 kt) and Cessna 340 (pressurised cabin-class piston twin, ~225 kt) are direct competitors — both 1970s-80s pressurised piston twins.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Duke 60 | Cessna 340 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $120,000 – $925,000 | $90,000 – $1,650,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 380 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 240 kts (444 km/h) | 195 kts (361 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 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 | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 163.0 gal (617 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 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 Duke 60
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 Duke 60 or Cessna 340?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 340 for the broader support network, simpler systems and lower acquisition cost. Choose the Duke for higher cruise, the iconic Beechcraft cabin and the unique T-tail design — accepting much thinner parts support and higher operating cost.
Pick the Duke 60 if…
- Faster cruise — 240 kts vs 195 kts.
Pick the 340 if…
- Budget matters — from $90,000 vs $120,000, you save ~$30,000.
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- Longer range — 1180 nm vs 1000 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 78 listings vs 22.
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 Duke 60 or Cessna 340?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Duke 60 cruises at 240 kts with 1,000 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 Duke 60: from $349,411.
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 Duke 60 and Cessna 340?
Duke 60 engine: Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 (380 hp).
340 engine: Continental TSIO-520-K.
Seats: 5 vs 6.
Cruise: 240 vs 195 kts.
Range: 1000 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?
Duke 60: 5 seats / 1,500 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?
Duke 60: 1,400-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