Cessna 310 vs Cessna 340 vs Cessna 421
The Cessna 310, 340, and 421 form the classic cabin-class piston twin ladder. The 310 is the fast, light entry point; the pressurized 340 adds cabin comfort and altitude capability; and the 421 Golden Eagle is the largest, geared-engine flagship. Owners move up this ladder as their need for cabin space, pressurization, and payload grows.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 310 | Cessna 340 | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | $79,950 – $270,000 | $90,000 – $1,650,000 | $100,000 – $749,000 |
| Category | — | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 240 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 | — | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 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 | — | 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 | 1,500 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 Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 310
Cessna 340
Cessna 421
Which Should You Buy?
Bottom line: The 310 suits owners wanting twin-engine speed without pressurization overhead. The 340 is the sweet spot for pressurized comfort in a manageable airframe, while the 421 is for those needing maximum cabin-class room and payload, accepting the higher operating cost of its geared engines.
Pick the 310 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $79,950
- Lowest operating cost — about $280/hr
Pick the 340 if…
- Newest design — built from 1972
Pick the 421 if…
- Most seats — 8
- Fastest cruise — 230 kts
- Longest range — 1385 nm
- Most listings for sale — 91
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.