Cessna 421C vs Aerostar 601P
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 421C
- For sale now
- 63
- Median asking
- $465,000
- Range
- $190,200–$695,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 27
- Source marketplaces
- 9
- Model years available
- 1974–1984
Aerostar 601P
- For sale now
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1975–1978
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 421C | Aerostar 601P |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 136 | 2 |
| Serious | 7 | 0 |
| Fatal | 55 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 157 | 6 |
| % Fatal | 40% | 100% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 421C | Aerostar 601P |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $190,200 – $695,000 | $129,500 – $385,550 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | — |
| Horsepower | 375 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 220 kts (407 km/h) |
| Range | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 1,086 nm (2,011 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 421C
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Aerostar 601P
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421C or Aerostar 601P?
Pick the 421C if…
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 220 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1086 nm.
- More inventory — 61 listings vs 3.
Pick the 601P if…
- Budget matters — from $129,500 vs $190,200, you save ~$60,700.
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 421C or Aerostar 601P?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 421C cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
The 601P cruises at 220 kts with 1,086 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421C: from $275,000.
Aerostar 601P: from $389,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421C and Aerostar 601P?
Cruise: 230 vs 220 kts.
Range: 1385 vs 1086 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421C: 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?
421C: 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?
421C: 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