Cessna 340 vs Cessna 421B

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Cessna 340
For sale now
90
Median asking
$304,251
Range
$158,622–$519,500
Model years available
1972–1984
Cessna 421B
For sale now
17
Median asking
$249,948
Range
$129,760–$368,500
Model years available
1971–1975

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 421B
All events191104
Serious711
Fatal7231
Fatalities17996
% Fatal38%30%
View full Cessna 340 NTSB record →View full Cessna 421B NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 340 Cessna 421B
Cessna 340
View 17 listings →
Median $304,251
 Cessna 421B
View 17 listings →
Median $249,948
Price Range $158,622 – $519,500 $129,760 – $368,500
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) 130.0 gal (492 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 34.0 GPH (129 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs 1,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000 $48,000
Annual Fixed $28,000 $42,000
Hourly Variable $320 $420
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 421B

Fuel$187/hr
Variable$420/hr
Annual Fixed$42,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $126,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340 or Cessna 421B?

Pick the 340 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$320/hr vs $420/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1968.

Pick the 421B if…

  • Budget matters — from $129,760 vs $158,622, you save ~$28,862.
  • 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

Which is better, Cessna 340 or Cessna 421B?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range. The 421B 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 421B: from $249,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340 and Cessna 421B?
340 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-K (285 hp). 421B engine: CONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-H (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. 421B: about $420/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. 421B: 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. 421B: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$48,000. 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