Cessna 421C vs Cessna 310
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 421C | Cessna 310 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $749,000 | $79,950 – $270,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 375 HP | 240 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 190 kts (352 km/h) |
| Range | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 800 nm (1,482 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | $38,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 421C
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Cessna 310
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421C or Cessna 310?
Pick the 421C if…
- More seats — 8 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 190 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 800 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1956.
- More inventory — 73 listings vs 44.
Pick the 310 if…
- Budget matters — from $79,950 vs $100,000, you save ~$20,050.
- Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $400/hr.
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 Cessna 310?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 421C cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421C: from $360,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421C and Cessna 310?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp).
Seats: 8 vs 5.
Cruise: 230 vs 190 kts.
Range: 1385 vs 800 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421C: about $400/hr variable cost.
310: about $280/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.
310: 5 seats / 1,700 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.
310: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
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