Cessna 310 vs Cessna 340

The Cessna 310 and the Cessna 340 are two of Cessna's light twins — the sleek, unpressurised 310 and the pressurised 340. The 310 is the fast classic light twin; the 340 adds a pressurised cabin for flying high above weather. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 310

No active listings right now.

Cessna 340
For sale now
81
Median asking
$300,000
Range
$168,823–$523,000
Model years available
1972–1984

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)Cessna 310Cessna 340
All events584191
Serious427
Fatal18172
Fatalities354179
% Fatal31%38%
View full Cessna 310 NTSB record →View full Cessna 340 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 310 Cessna 340
Cessna 340
View 17 listings →
Median $300,000
Price Range — $168,823 – $523,000
Category — Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5 6
Horsepower 240 HP 285 HP
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 195 kts (361 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 1,180 nm (2,185 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 29,800 ft (9,083 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg)
Useful Load 1,700 lbs (771 kg) 1,840 lbs (835 kg)
Fuel Capacity 100.0 gal (378 L) 163.0 gal (617 L)
Fuel Burn 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) 28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 1,400 hrs
Overhaul Cost $38,000 $40,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $28,000
Hourly Variable $280 $320
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 310

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

Cessna 340

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $92,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 310 or Cessna 340?

Bottom line: Choose the 310 for a fast, affordable light twin — sleek, capable and the lower-cost choice, without pressurisation. Choose the 340 for pressurised comfort — a sealed, cabin-class cabin to cross weather above much of it, at a higher cost. On safety both are light twins with engine-out redundancy but demanding light-twin proficiency; the difference is pressurisation, not safety class. Fast light twin, or pressurised cabin-class.

Pick the 310 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $320/hr.

Pick the 340 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 5.
  • Faster cruise — 195 kts vs 190 kts.
  • Longer range — 1180 nm vs 800 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1956.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 310 and 340?
The 310 is an unpressurised light twin; the 340 a pressurised, cabin-class twin built on a related airframe. The 340 flies high in a sealed cabin; the 310 is faster for the money without pressurisation.
Which is pressurised?
The 340 — its pressurised cabin lets it cruise high above weather. The 310 is unpressurised.
Which is cheaper?
The 310 — lower acquisition and running costs than the pressurised 340, which buys cabin comfort and altitude.
Which is better, Cessna 310 or Cessna 340?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 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?
Cessna 340: from $490,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 310 and Cessna 340?
310 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp). 340 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-K (285 hp). Seats: 5 vs 6. Cruise: 190 vs 195 kts. Range: 800 vs 1180 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
310: about $280/hr variable cost. 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?
310: 5 seats / 1,700 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?
310: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000. 340: 1,400-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