Cessna 340A vs Piper Seneca
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 340A | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $90,000 – $1,650,000 | $53,000 – $875,612 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | — |
| 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 | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340A
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$92,000/yr
Piper Seneca
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340A or Piper Seneca?
Pick the 340A if…
- Faster cruise — 195 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1180 nm vs 750 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1972.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $53,000 vs $90,000, you save ~$37,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $320/hr.
- More inventory — 112 listings vs 63.
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 Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 340A cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range.
The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 340A: from $395,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340A and Piper Seneca?
340A engine: Continental TSIO-520-NB (310 hp).
Cruise: 195 vs 180 kts.
Range: 1180 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340A: about $320/hr variable cost.
Seneca: about $280/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.
Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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?
340A: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
Seneca: 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