Cessna 421 vs Cessna 340
The Cessna 340 and Cessna 421 Golden Eagle are pressurized piston twins at opposite ends of the lineup. The compact six-seat 340 is the easier, cheaper twin to own, while the flagship 421 is a true cabin-class machine with geared GTSIO-520 engines, more power, and a quieter, roomier cabin.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 421 | Cessna 340 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $749,000 | $90,000 – $1,650,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 195 kts (361 km/h) |
| Range | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 1,180 nm (2,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 213.0 gal (806 L) | 163.0 gal (617 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $28,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $320 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 421
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Cessna 340
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$92,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421 or Cessna 340?
Bottom line: Choose the 340 for lower operating costs and simpler ownership; pick the 421 for cabin-class room, more power, and a quieter ride. The 421's geared engines are expensive, so engine time, overhaul reserves, and overall condition decide this one.
Pick the 421 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 195 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1180 nm.
- More inventory — 91 listings vs 77.
Pick the 340 if…
- Budget matters — from $90,000 vs $100,000, you save ~$10,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$320/hr vs $400/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1968.
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 421 or Cessna 340?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421: from $319,999.
Cessna 340: from $169,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421 and Cessna 340?
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
340 engine: Continental TSIO-520-K.
Seats: 8 vs 6.
Cruise: 230 vs 195 kts.
Range: 1385 vs 1180 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421: about $400/hr variable cost.
340: about $320/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?
421: 8 seats / 2,450 lb useful load.
340: 6 seats / 1,840 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?
421: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000.
340: 1,500-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