Beechcraft Model 18 vs Piper Seneca
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Model 18 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $115,000 – $494,957 | $53,000 – $875,612 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 450 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 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 | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Model 18
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 Model 18 or Piper Seneca?
Pick the Model 18 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 6.
- Longer range — 800 nm vs 750 nm.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $53,000 vs $115,000, you save ~$62,000.
- More inventory — 114 listings vs 14.
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 Model 18 or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Model 18 cruises at 180 kts with 800 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 Model 18: from $139,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Model 18 and Piper Seneca?
Seats: 9 vs 6.
Cruise: 180 vs 180 kts.
Range: 800 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?
Model 18: 9 seats / 2,500 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?
Model 18: 1,500-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