Cessna 310 vs Beechcraft Baron 58

The Baron 58 (high-end six-seat piston twin, ~200 kt) and Cessna 310 (six-seat piston twin, ~195 kt) are direct piston-twin competitors — both Continental IO-520/550 powered, both classic 1960s-2000s twins. The Baron is the refined Beechcraft; the 310 is the workhorse Cessna.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 310

No active listings right now.

Beechcraft Baron 58
For sale now
121
Median asking
$449,000
Range
$189,635–$1,319,400
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
40
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1970–2024

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)Cessna 310Beechcraft Baron 58
All events584—
Serious42—
Fatal181—
Fatalities354—
% Fatal31%—
View full Cessna 310 NTSB record →View full Beechcraft Baron 58 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 310 Beechcraft Baron 58
View 48 listings →
Median $145,000
 Beechcraft Baron 58
View 122 listings →
Median $449,000
Price Range $19,000 – $270,000 $189,635 – $1,319,400
Category — Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5 6
Horsepower 240 HP —
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 190 kts (352 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 1,225 nm (2,269 km)
Service Ceiling — 20,688 ft (6,306 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg)
Useful Load 1,700 lbs (771 kg) 1,846 lbs (837 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 166.0 gal (628 L)
Fuel Burn 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) 28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $38,000 $40,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $28,000
Hourly Variable $280 $310
Engines 2 x Reciprocating 2 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 310

Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $81,000/yr

Beechcraft Baron 58

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$310/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $90,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Baron 58?

Bottom line: Choose the Baron 58 for refined Beechcraft cabin, stronger residual values and the still-young modern fleet (production ran until 2023). Choose the 310 for typically lower acquisition cost and the broader Cessna support network — accepting older systems and out-of-production status.

Pick the 310 if…

  • Budget matters — from $19,000 vs $189,635, you save ~$170,635.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $310/hr.

Pick the Baron 58 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 5.
  • Longer range — 1225 nm vs 800 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1970 vs 1956.
  • More inventory — 122 listings vs 48.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Baron 58?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range. The Baron 58 cruises at 190 kts with 1,225 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Baron 58: from $575,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 310 and Beechcraft Baron 58?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp). Seats: 5 vs 6. Cruise: 190 vs 190 kts. Range: 800 vs 1225 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
310: about $280/hr variable cost. Baron 58: about $310/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?
310: 5 seats / 1,700 lb useful load. Baron 58: 6 seats / 1,846 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?
310: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000. Baron 58: 1,700-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