Cessna 340 vs Piper Aerostar
The Piper Aerostar (PA-60) and Cessna 340 are pressurised owner-flown piston twins — the Aerostar is the fastest piston twin in production form (~260 kt); the 340 is the comfortable, more docile pressurised cruiser.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 81
- Median asking
- $300,000
- Range
- $168,823–$523,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 28
- Source marketplaces
- 16
- Model years available
- 1972–1984
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $331,738
- Range
- $160,200–$479,938
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 7
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1976–1984
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 340 | Piper Aerostar |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 191 | 40 |
| Serious | 7 | 2 |
| Fatal | 72 | 15 |
| Fatalities | 179 | 38 |
| % Fatal | 38% | 38% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 340 | Piper Aerostar |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $168,823 – $523,000 | $160,200 – $479,938 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | 195 kts (361 km/h) | 220 kts (407 km/h) |
| Range | 1,180 nm (2,185 km) | 1,086 nm (2,011 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 163.0 gal (617 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340
Piper Aerostar
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340 or Piper Aerostar?
Bottom line: Choose the Aerostar for outright speed — no piston twin cruises faster. Choose the Cessna 340 for a more comfortable cabin, easier handling and a larger, better-supported fleet, when speed isn't the priority.
Pick the 340 if…
- Longer range — 1180 nm vs 1086 nm.
- More inventory — 82 listings vs 11.
Pick the Aerostar if…
- Budget matters — from $160,200 vs $168,823, you save ~$8,623.
- Faster cruise — 220 kts vs 195 kts.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.