Cessna 340 vs Cessna 421

The Cessna 340 and the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle are two pressurised piston twins — the compact 340 and the powerful, geared-engine 421. Both cross weather in a pressurised cabin; the 421 adds size, geared engines and speed. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 340
For sale now
81
Median asking
$300,000
Range
$168,823–$523,000
Model years available
1972–1984
Cessna 421
For sale now
85
Median asking
$410,912
Range
$138,945–$683,750
Model years available
1968–1984

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 340Cessna 421
All events191326
Serious723
Fatal72121
Fatalities179342
% Fatal38%37%
View full Cessna 340 NTSB record →View full Cessna 421 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 340 Cessna 421
Cessna 340
View 17 listings →
Median $300,000
 Cessna 421
View 7 listings →
Median $410,912
Price Range $168,823 – $523,000 $138,945 – $683,750
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 8
Horsepower 285 HP 375 HP
Cruise Speed 195 kts (361 km/h) 230 kts (426 km/h)
Range 1,180 nm (2,185 km) 1,385 nm (2,565 km)
Service Ceiling 29,800 ft (9,083 m) 30,200 ft (9,205 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg)
Useful Load 1,840 lbs (835 kg) 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg)
Fuel Capacity 163.0 gal (617 L) 213.0 gal (806 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs 1,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000 $50,000
Annual Fixed $28,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $320 $400
Engines 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 340

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $92,000/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 340 or Cessna 421?

Bottom line: Choose the 340 for the most affordable pressurised twin — a compact cabin-class airplane with the lower running costs of the pair. Choose the 421 Golden Eagle for the most room and speed — geared engines and a larger cabin-class cabin, at the highest cost. On safety both are pressurised piston twins with engine-out redundancy but demanding light-twin proficiency, and the 421's geared engines reward care; the difference is size, speed and cost, not safety class. Compact pressurised twin, or geared flagship.

Pick the 340 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$320/hr vs $400/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1968.
  • More inventory — 17 listings vs 7.

Pick the 421 if…

  • Budget matters — from $138,945 vs $168,823, you save ~$29,878.
  • More seats — 8 vs 6.
  • Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 195 kts.
  • Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1180 nm.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 340 and 421?
The 340 is the compact pressurised twin; the 421 Golden Eagle the larger, more powerful one with geared engines. Both are pressurised cabin-class twins.
Which is faster?
The 421 — its geared, higher-output engines give the highest cruise. The 340 is the slower but more economical of the two.
Are both pressurised?
Yes — both cruise high in a pressurised cabin. The 421 simply adds size, power and speed.
Which is better, Cessna 340 or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 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 340: from $490,000. Cessna 421: from $393,219. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340 and Cessna 421?
340 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-K (285 hp). 421 engine: CONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-D (375 hp). Seats: 6 vs 8. Cruise: 195 vs 230 kts. Range: 1180 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340: about $320/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?
340: 6 seats / 1,840 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?
340: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000. 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