Beechcraft Model 18 vs Douglas DC-3
The Douglas DC-3 and Beechcraft Model 18 (Twin Beech) are classic twin-radial transports — the DC-3 the large airliner/cargo legend, the Twin Beech the smaller, more attainable radial twin.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $254,000
- Range
- $143,100–$438,133
- Model years available
- 1944–1964
No active listings right now.
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 Model 18 | Douglas DC-3 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 59 |
| Serious | — | 5 |
| Fatal | — | 13 |
| Fatalities | — | 51 |
| % Fatal | — | 22% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Model 18 | Douglas DC-3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $143,100 – $438,133 | — |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 32 |
| Horsepower | 450 HP | 1,200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Useful Load | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) | 100.0 GPH (378 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Model 18 or Douglas DC-3?
Bottom line: Choose the Beechcraft 18 for a smaller, lower-cost radial-twin classic; choose the DC-3 for the iconic large transport with unmatched presence and a strong vintage-operator community (at higher operating cost). Beech 18 = attainable; DC-3 = icon/capacity.
Pick the Model 18 if…
Pick the DC-3 if…
- More seats — 32 vs 9.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 800 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.