Cessna 421C vs Piper Navajo
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 421C | Piper Navajo |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $749,000 | $75,699 – $654,617 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 375 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 206 kts (382 km/h) |
| Range | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 1,065 nm (1,972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 182.0 gal (689 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) | 32.0 GPH (121 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | $42,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $30,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $350 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 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
Piper Navajo
Fuel$176/hr
Variable$350/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$100,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421C or Piper Navajo?
Pick the 421C if…
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 206 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1065 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1967.
- More inventory — 73 listings vs 41.
Pick the Navajo if…
- Budget matters — from $75,699 vs $100,000, you save ~$24,301.
- Lower operating cost — ~$350/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 Piper Navajo?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 421C cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
The Navajo cruises at 206 kts with 1,065 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421C: from $360,000.
Piper Navajo: from $550,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421C and Piper Navajo?
Cruise: 230 vs 206 kts.
Range: 1385 vs 1065 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421C: about $400/hr variable cost.
Navajo: about $350/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.
Navajo: 8 seats / 2,800 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.
Navajo: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$42,000.
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