Cessna 404 vs Piper Twin Comanche
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 404
- For sale now
- 6
- Model years available
- 1976–1981
Piper Twin Comanche
- For sale now
- 29
- Median asking
- $146,500
- Range
- $107,499–$203,750
- Model years available
- 1964–1973
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 404 | Piper Twin Comanche |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 39 | — |
| Serious | 3 | — |
| Fatal | 12 | — |
| Fatalities | 42 | — |
| % Fatal | 31% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 404 | Piper Twin Comanche |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $167,800 – $568,300 | $107,499 – $203,750 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 375 HP | 160 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 200 kts (370 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 26,000 ft (7,925 m) | 18,600 ft (5,669 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,400 lbs (3,810 kg) | 3,725 lbs (1,690 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 1,450 lbs (658 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 212.0 gal (802 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $38,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 404
Fuel$220/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$38,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$118,000/yr
Piper Twin Comanche
Fuel$88/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 404 or Piper Twin Comanche?
Pick the 404 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 155 kts.
- Longer range — 1100 nm vs 1000 nm.
Pick the Twin Comanche if…
- Budget matters — from $107,499 vs $167,800, you save ~$60,301.
- More inventory — 29 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 Twin Comanche?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 404 cruises at 200 kts with 1,100 nm range.
The Twin Comanche cruises at 155 kts with 1,000 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 404: from $595,000.
Piper Twin Comanche: from $178,649.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 404 and Piper Twin Comanche?
404 engine: CONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-M (375 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 4.
Cruise: 200 vs 155 kts.
Range: 1100 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
404: about $400/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.
Twin Comanche: 4 seats / 1,450 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, overhaul ~$50,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data