Cessna Conquest I vs Cessna 421

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna Conquest I
For sale now
13
Median asking
$1,162,500
Range
$867,150–$2,135,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
7
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1978–1985
Cessna 421
For sale now
85
Median asking
$410,912
Range
$138,945–$683,750
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
38
Source marketplaces
12
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 Conquest ICessna 421
All events326
Serious23
Fatal121
Fatalities342
% Fatal37%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Conquest I Cessna 421
Cessna Conquest I
View 13 listings →
Median $1,162,500
Cessna 421
View 82 listings →
Median $410,912
Price Range $867,150 – $2,135,000 $138,945 – $683,750
Category Multi Engine Turboprop Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 8 8
Cruise Speed 283 kts (524 km/h) 230 kts (426 km/h)
Range 1,500 nm (2,778 km) 1,385 nm (2,565 km)
Service Ceiling 30,200 ft (9,205 m)
Max Gross Weight 8,600 lbs (3,901 kg) 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg)
Useful Load 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg)
Fuel Capacity 213.0 gal (806 L)
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 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Conquest I

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 Conquest I or Cessna 421?

Pick the Conquest I if…

  • Faster cruise — 283 kts vs 230 kts.
  • Longer range — 1500 nm vs 1385 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1968.

Pick the 421 if…

  • Budget matters — from $138,945 vs $867,150, you save ~$728,205.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 13.

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 Conquest I or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Conquest I cruises at 283 kts with 1,500 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 Conquest I: from $2,450,000. Cessna 421: from $319,999. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Conquest I and Cessna 421?
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D. Cruise: 283 vs 230 kts. Range: 1500 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
Conquest I: 8 seats. 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?
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