Cessna 402B vs Piper Seneca
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 402B | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $175,290 | $53,000 – $875,837 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 200 kts (370 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 1,200 nm (2,222 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 | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 402B
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 402B or Piper Seneca?
Pick the 402B if…
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1200 nm vs 750 nm.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $53,000 vs $150,000, you save ~$97,000.
- Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1971.
- More inventory — 112 listings vs 3.
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 402B or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 402B cruises at 200 kts with 1,200 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 402B: from $150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 402B and Piper Seneca?
402B engine: Continental TSIO-520-VB (300 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 6.
Cruise: 200 vs 180 kts.
Range: 1200 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
402B: 10 seats / 2,200 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?
402B: 1,400-hour TBO.
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