Cessna 414 vs Cessna 421
The Cessna 414 and Cessna 421 Golden Eagle are both pressurized cabin-class piston twins from the same family. The 414 uses turbocharged Continentals and is simpler to maintain, while the flagship 421 adds geared GTSIO-520 engines for more power and a quieter cabin at the cost of higher complexity.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 414 | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $119,000 – $739,500 | $100,000 – $749,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 210 kts (389 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 1,315 nm (2,435 km) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 6,750 lbs (3,062 kg) | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,250 lbs (1,021 kg) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 206.0 gal (780 L) | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $45,000 | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $350 | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 414
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$350/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$100,000/yr
Cessna 421
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 414 or Cessna 421?
Bottom line: Choose the 414 for lower operating costs and simpler engines; pick the 421 for more power, a smoother, quieter cabin, and top-of-the-line presence. The 421's geared engines are costly to maintain, so engine time and overhaul reserves drive this decision.
Pick the 414 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$350/hr vs $400/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1970 vs 1968.
Pick the 421 if…
- Budget matters — from $100,000 vs $119,000, you save ~$19,000.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 210 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1315 nm.
- More inventory — 93 listings vs 40.
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 414 or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 414 cruises at 210 kts with 1,315 nm range.
The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 414: from $119,000.
Cessna 421: from $319,999.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 414 and Cessna 421?
414 engine: Continental TSIO-520-N.
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
Cruise: 210 vs 230 kts.
Range: 1315 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
414: about $350/hr variable cost.
421: 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?
414: 8 seats / 2,250 lb useful load.
421: 8 seats / 2,450 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?
414: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$45,000.
421: 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data