Beechcraft Twin Bonanza vs Cessna 421C
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft Twin Bonanza
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1954–2010
Cessna 421C
- For sale now
- 63
- Median asking
- $465,000
- Range
- $190,200–$695,000
- Model years available
- 1974–1984
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 Twin Bonanza | Cessna 421C |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 136 |
| Serious | — | 7 |
| Fatal | — | 55 |
| Fatalities | — | 157 |
| % Fatal | — | 40% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Twin Bonanza | Cessna 421C |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $108,915 – $257,650 | $190,200 – $695,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 375 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 175 kts (324 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 130.0 gal (492 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 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 Twin Bonanza
Fuel$154/hr
Cessna 421C
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Twin Bonanza or Cessna 421C?
Pick the Twin Bonanza if…
- Budget matters — from $108,915 vs $190,200, you save ~$81,285.
Pick the 421C if…
- More seats — 8 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 175 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1000 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1951.
- More inventory — 68 listings vs 5.
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 Twin Bonanza or Cessna 421C?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Twin Bonanza cruises at 175 kts with 1,000 nm range.
The 421C 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 Twin Bonanza: from $84,900.
Cessna 421C: from $595,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Twin Bonanza and Cessna 421C?
Twin Bonanza engine: �Lycoming GO-480-C206 (260 hp).
421C engine: CONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-N (375 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 8.
Cruise: 175 vs 230 kts.
Range: 1000 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421C: 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?
Twin Bonanza: 5 seats / 2,000 lb useful load.
421C: 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?
Twin Bonanza: 1,500-hour TBO.
421C: 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