Cessna 340 vs Cessna 421
The Cessna 340 and Cessna 421 Golden Eagle are pressurized piston twins at opposite ends of the lineup. The compact six-seat 340 is the easier, cheaper twin to own, while the flagship 421 is a true cabin-class machine with geared GTSIO-520 engines, more power, and a quieter, roomier cabin.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 340 | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $90,000 – $1,650,000 | $100,000 – $749,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 195 kts (361 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 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 | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | 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 | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$92,000/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 340 or Cessna 421?
Bottom line: Choose the 340 for lower operating costs and simpler ownership; pick the 421 for cabin-class room, more power, and a quieter ride. The 421's geared engines are expensive, so engine time, overhaul reserves, and overall condition decide this one.
Pick the 340 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 1972 vs 1968.
Pick the 421 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 195 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1180 nm.
- More inventory — 91 listings vs 77.
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 340 or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 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 340: from $169,900.
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 340 and Cessna 421?
340 engine: Continental TSIO-520-K.
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
Seats: 6 vs 8.
Cruise: 195 vs 230 kts.
Range: 1180 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340: 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?
340: 6 seats / 1,840 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?
340: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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