Cessna 310 vs Piper Aztec

The Piper Aztec and Cessna 310 are the two iconic 1960s light piston twins — the Aztec is the rugged, roomy load-hauler; the 310 is the faster, sleeker cruiser.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 310

No active listings right now.

Piper Aztec
For sale now
30
Median asking
$152,000
Range
$52,467–$313,500
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
9
Source marketplaces
8
Model years available
1965–1979

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 310Piper Aztec
All events5842
Serious420
Fatal1810
Fatalities3540
% Fatal31%0%
View full Cessna 310 NTSB record →View full Piper Aztec NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 310 Piper Aztec
View 48 listings →
Median $145,000
 Piper Aztec
View 30 listings →
Median $152,000
Price Range $19,000 – $270,000 $52,467 – $313,500
Category — Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5 6
Horsepower 240 HP —
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 149 kts (276 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 1,320 nm (2,445 km)
Max Gross Weight 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg)
Useful Load 1,700 lbs (771 kg) —
Fuel Burn 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) —
TBO 1,500 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $38,000 —
Annual Fixed $25,000 —
Hourly Variable $280 —
Engines 2 x Reciprocating —

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 310

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

Piper Aztec

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 310 or Piper Aztec?

Bottom line: Choose the 310 for higher cruise speed and ramp presence. Choose the Aztec for load-hauling ruggedness, a forgiving platform and a roomy cabin — the utility-minded light twin.

Pick the 310 if…

  • Budget matters — from $19,000 vs $52,467, you save ~$33,467.
  • Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 149 kts.
  • More inventory — 48 listings vs 30.

Pick the Aztec if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 5.
  • Longer range — 1320 nm vs 800 nm.

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 Piper Aztec?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range. The Aztec cruises at 149 kts with 1,320 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Aztec: from $50,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 310 and Piper Aztec?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp). Seats: 5 vs 6. Cruise: 190 vs 149 kts. Range: 800 vs 1320 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
310: about $280/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. Aztec: 6 seats. 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. 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