Cessna 421 vs Cessna Conquest II
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 421
- For sale now
- 88
- Median asking
- $419,809
- Range
- $161,400–$625,000
- Model years available
- 1968–1984
Cessna Conquest II
- For sale now
- 9
- Model years available
- 1978–1984
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 421 | Cessna Conquest II |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 326 | — |
| Serious | 23 | — |
| Fatal | 121 | — |
| Fatalities | 342 | — |
| % Fatal | 37% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 421 | Cessna Conquest II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $161,400 – $625,000 | $818,920 – $1,871,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 11 |
| Horsepower | 375 HP | 635 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 272 kts (504 km/h) |
| Range | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 1,650 nm (3,056 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) | 9,850 lbs (4,468 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 213.0 gal (806 L) | 475.0 gal (1798 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) | 70.0 GPH (265 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $70,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $800 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 421
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Cessna Conquest II
Fuel$385/hr
Variable$800/hr
Annual Fixed$70,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421 or Cessna Conquest II?
Pick the 421 if…
- Budget matters — from $161,400 vs $818,920, you save ~$657,520.
- Lower operating cost — ~$400/hr vs $800/hr.
Pick the Conquest II if…
- More seats — 11 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 272 kts vs 230 kts.
- Longer range — 1650 nm vs 1385 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 10 listings vs 7.
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 421 or Cessna Conquest II?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
The Conquest II cruises at 272 kts with 1,650 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421: from $375,364.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421 and Cessna Conquest II?
421 engine: CONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-D (375 hp).
Conquest II engine: HONEYWELL TPE331-8-401S (635 hp).
Seats: 8 vs 11.
Cruise: 230 vs 272 kts.
Range: 1385 vs 1650 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421: about $400/hr variable cost.
Conquest II: about $800/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?
421: 8 seats / 2,450 lb useful load.
Conquest II: 11 seats / 3,100 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.
Conquest II: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
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