Cessna 340 vs Piper Seneca
The Cessna 340 (pressurised cabin-class piston twin, ~225 kt) and Piper Seneca PA-34 (unpressurised six-seat piston twin, ~190 kt) are direct piston-twin competitors at different price points — the 340 adds pressurisation and the cabin-class cabin.
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
- 111
- Median asking
- $227,990
- Range
- $89,465–$640,128
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 39
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1967–2023
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 Seneca |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 191 | 2 |
| Serious | 7 | 0 |
| Fatal | 72 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 179 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 38% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 340 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $168,823 – $523,000 | $89,465 – $640,128 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | 195 kts (361 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 1,180 nm (2,185 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 163.0 gal (617 L) | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340
Piper Seneca
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340 or Piper Seneca?
Bottom line: Choose the 340 for pressurisation, higher cruise and the cabin-class cabin — materially higher capability. Choose the Seneca for unpressurised six-seat twin economics at much lower acquisition cost — the practical entry-level piston twin.
Pick the 340 if…
- Faster cruise — 195 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1180 nm vs 750 nm.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $89,465 vs $168,823, you save ~$79,358.
- Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $320/hr.
- More inventory — 107 listings vs 82.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.