Cessna 310 vs Cessna 340 vs Cessna 421

The Cessna 310, Cessna 340 and Cessna 421 Golden Eagle span Cessna's piston-twin range — the sleek unpressurised 310, the compact pressurised 340 and the powerful geared-engine 421. The 310 is the fast classic light twin, the 340 adds a pressurised cabin, and the 421 is the cabin-class flagship. Prices and counts for each are 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
Cessna 421
For sale now
85
Median asking
$410,912
Range
$138,945–$683,750
Model years available
1968–1984

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 340Cessna 421
All events584191326
Serious42723
Fatal18172121
Fatalities354179342
% Fatal31%38%37%
View full Cessna 310 NTSB record →View full Cessna 340 NTSB record →View full Cessna 421 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 310 Cessna 340 Cessna 421
Cessna 340
View 17 listings →
Median $300,000
 Cessna 421
View 7 listings →
Median $410,912
Price Range — $168,823 – $523,000 $138,945 – $683,750
Category — Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5 6 8
Horsepower 240 HP 285 HP 375 HP
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 195 kts (361 km/h) 230 kts (426 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 1,180 nm (2,185 km) 1,385 nm (2,565 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 29,800 ft (9,083 m) 30,200 ft (9,205 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg)
Useful Load 1,700 lbs (771 kg) 1,840 lbs (835 kg) 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg)
Fuel Capacity 100.0 gal (378 L) 163.0 gal (617 L) 213.0 gal (806 L)
Fuel Burn 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 1,400 hrs 1,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost $38,000 $40,000 $50,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $28,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $280 $320 $400
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) 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

Cessna 421

Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $115,000/yr

Which Should You Buy?

Bottom line: Choose the 310 for a fast, affordable light twin without pressurisation. Choose the 340 for pressurised comfort in a compact cabin, to cross weather above the worst of it. Choose the 421 Golden Eagle for the most room and speed — geared engines and a cabin-class cabin at the highest cost. On safety all three are piston twins with engine-out redundancy but demanding light-twin proficiency, and the 421's geared engines reward care — the differences are pressurisation, size and cost, not safety class.

Pick the 310 if…

  • Lowest operating cost — about $280/hr

Pick the 340 if…

  • Newest design — built from 1972
  • Most listings for sale — 17

Pick the 421 if…

  • Lowest entry price — from $138,945
  • Most seats — 8
  • Fastest cruise — 230 kts
  • Longest range — 1385 nm

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, 340 and 421?
The 310 is an unpressurised light twin; the 340 a compact pressurised twin; the 421 Golden Eagle a larger pressurised twin with geared engines. They climb in comfort and cost.
Which are pressurised?
The 340 and 421; the 310 is not. For flying high above weather, the 340 or 421.
Which is fastest?
The 421 — its geared, higher-output engines give the highest cruise. The 310 is quick for a light twin; the 340 sits between.
Which is better, Cessna 310, Cessna 340 or Cessna 421?
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. The 421 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?
Cessna 340: from $490,000. Cessna 421: from $393,219. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
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