Cessna 404 vs Piper Seneca
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 404 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $692,939 | $53,000 – $875,612 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 375 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 200 kts (370 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 404
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 404 or Piper Seneca?
Pick the 404 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1100 nm vs 750 nm.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $53,000 vs $150,000, you save ~$97,000.
- More inventory — 112 listings vs 6.
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 404 or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 404 cruises at 200 kts with 1,100 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 404: from $334,285.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 404 and Piper Seneca?
Seats: 10 vs 6.
Cruise: 200 vs 180 kts.
Range: 1100 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?
404: 10 seats / 2,700 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?
404: 1,600-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