Cessna 340A vs Piper Aerostar
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 340A
- For sale now
- 66
- Median asking
- $320,632
- Range
- $185,682–$536,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 22
- Source marketplaces
- 12
- Model years available
- 1976–1984
Piper Aerostar
- 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 340A | Piper Aerostar |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 113 | 40 |
| Serious | 4 | 2 |
| Fatal | 46 | 15 |
| Fatalities | 107 | 38 |
| % Fatal | 41% | 38% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 340A | Piper Aerostar |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $185,682 – $536,250 | $160,200 – $479,938 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | — |
| 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) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340A
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$92,000/yr
Piper Aerostar
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340A or Piper Aerostar?
Pick the 340A if…
- Longer range — 1180 nm vs 1086 nm.
- More inventory — 66 listings vs 11.
Pick the Aerostar if…
- Budget matters — from $160,200 vs $185,682, you save ~$25,482.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 340A or Piper Aerostar?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 340A cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range.
The Aerostar cruises at 220 kts with 1,086 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Aerostar: from $159,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340A and Piper Aerostar?
340A engine: Continental TSIO-520-NB (310 hp).
Cruise: 195 vs 220 kts.
Range: 1180 vs 1086 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340A: about $320/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?
340A: 6 seats / 1,840 lb useful load.
Aerostar: 6 seats.
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?
340A: 1,800-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