Cessna 310 vs Cessna 421
The Cessna 310 and Cessna 421 Golden Eagle sit at opposite ends of the Cessna twin lineup. The unpressurized, light five-to-six-seat 310 is an affordable, sleek twin, while the flagship 421 is a pressurized, cabin-class machine with geared GTSIO-520 engines, more power, and a quiet, roomy cabin.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 310 | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | $79,950 – $270,000 | $100,000 – $749,000 |
| Category | — | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 240 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $280 | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 310
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/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: Cessna 310 or Cessna 421?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 310 for lower purchase and operating costs and simpler systems; pick the 421 for pressurized cabin-class room, power, and a quiet ride. The 421's geared engines are costly, so engine time and maintenance reserves decide more than the badge.
Pick the 310 if…
- Budget matters — from $79,950 vs $100,000, you save ~$20,050.
- Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $400/hr.
Pick the 421 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 190 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 800 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1956.
- More inventory — 90 listings vs 41.
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 Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 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 421: from $319,999.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 310 and Cessna 421?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp).
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
Seats: 5 vs 8.
Cruise: 190 vs 230 kts.
Range: 800 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
310: about $280/hr variable cost.
421: 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?
310: 5 seats / 1,700 lb useful load.
421: 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?
310: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
421: 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