Cessna 310R vs Cessna 421
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 310R | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $90,000 – $270,000 | $100,000 – $749,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 195 kts (361 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 900 nm (1,667 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 | 1,900 lbs (862 kg) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 26.0 GPH (98 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 310R
Fuel$143/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$94,000/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 310R or Cessna 421?
Pick the 310R if…
- Budget matters — from $90,000 vs $100,000, you save ~$10,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$320/hr vs $400/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1975 vs 1968.
Pick the 421 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 195 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 900 nm.
- More inventory — 90 listings vs 9.
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 310R or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 310R cruises at 195 kts with 900 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 310R and Cessna 421?
310R engine: Continental O-520-VO;O-520-MB (285 hp).
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
Seats: 6 vs 8.
Cruise: 195 vs 230 kts.
Range: 900 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
310R: about $320/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?
310R: 6 seats / 1,900 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?
310R: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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