Cessna 320 vs Piper Aztec
The Cessna 320 Skyknight and Piper Aztec are 1960s light piston twins — the 320 is the faster, turbocharged Cessna; the Aztec is the rugged, roomy, load-hauling Piper workhorse.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 320
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1963–1967
Piper Aztec
- For sale now
- 30
- Median asking
- $152,000
- Range
- $52,467–$313,500
- 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.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 320 — 2 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 129 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 104 |
Piper Aztec — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
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 320 | Piper Aztec |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 89 | 2 |
| Serious | 7 | 0 |
| Fatal | 34 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 81 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 38% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 320 | Piper Aztec |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $98,938 – $122,750 | $52,467 – $313,500 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 150–160 HP | 250 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120–122 kts (226 km/h) | 149 kts (276 km/h) |
| Range | 900 nm (1,667 km) | 1,320 nm (2,445 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 26,000 ft (7,925 m) | 17,600 ft (5,364 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) | 1,900 lbs (862 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 100.0 gal (378 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 24.0 GPH (91 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $26,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $300 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 320
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$26,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$86,000/yr
Piper Aztec
Fuel$132/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 320 or Piper Aztec?
Bottom line: Choose the Aztec for load-hauling ruggedness, a forgiving platform and strong support. Choose the 320 for higher cruise and turbocharged altitude performance, accepting a smaller fleet.
Pick the 320 if…
- Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 149 kts.
Pick the Aztec if…
- Budget matters — from $52,467 vs $98,938, you save ~$46,471.
- Longer range — 1320 nm vs 900 nm.
- More inventory — 33 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 320 Skyknight and Piper Aztec?
Both are 1960s light twins, but the Cessna 320 Skyknight is the turbocharged twin-engine derivative of the 310 — Continental TSIO-470 (~260 hp each), 5–6 seats, ~190–200 kt. The Piper Aztec (IO-540, ~250 hp each, 5–6 seats, ~180–190 kt) is the naturally aspirated heavier-payload twin. The 320 holds power better at altitude; the Aztec is better known for its docile handling and large useful load.
Cessna 320 or Piper Aztec — which 1960s twin?
Buy the Cessna 320 if: turbocharged performance at altitude and higher cruise speed are the priority — the 320's TSIO-470 gives it an advantage at higher flight levels. Buy the Piper Aztec if: docile handling, large useful load, and a well-known IFR training twin are the priorities. The Aztec's large useful load was its defining commercial advantage.
How does the 320's turbocharging compare to the Aztec's naturally aspirated setup?
The 320's TSIO-470 maintains power at higher altitudes — cruise performance holds up to its certified ceiling better than the Aztec's naturally aspirated IO-540. For IFR flights at 10,000+ ft, the 320 maintains speed better. The Aztec's naturally aspirated engines are simpler to maintain.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 320F: TSIO-470 (~260 hp each), 5–6 seats, ~190–200 kt. Piper Aztec PA-23-250E: IO-540 (~250 hp each), 5–6 seats, ~180–190 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Aztec's naturally aspirated IO-540 is simpler and has lower overhaul cost than the 320's TSIO-470 turbo. The 320's speed advantage reduces trip time, partially offsetting higher fuel burn. For pure economics, the Aztec's simpler powerplants win.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 320 for turbocharged altitude performance and higher cruise speed in a 1960s twin. Piper Aztec for docile, naturally aspirated twin flying with large useful load and simpler engine management.
Which is better, Cessna 320 or Piper Aztec?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 320 cruises at 200 kts with 900 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?
Cessna 320: from $98,750.
Piper Aztec: from $259,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 320 and Piper Aztec?
320 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-470-B (260 hp).
Cruise: 200 vs 149 kts.
Range: 900 vs 1320 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
320: about $300/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?
320: 6 seats / 1,800 lb useful load.
Aztec: 6 seats / 1,900 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?
320: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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