Beechcraft Baron 58 vs Cessna T303
The Cessna T303 Crusader and Beechcraft Baron 58 are owner-flown light twins — the T303 is a comfortable counter-rotating-prop Cessna; the Baron 58 is the segment benchmark for performance, build quality and resale.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft Baron 58
- For sale now
- 121
- Median asking
- $449,000
- Range
- $189,635–$1,319,400
- Model years available
- 1970–2024
Cessna T303
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1982–1984
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) | Beechcraft Baron 58 | Cessna T303 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 37 |
| Serious | — | 4 |
| Fatal | — | 12 |
| Fatalities | — | 32 |
| % Fatal | — | 32% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Baron 58 | Cessna T303 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,635 – $1,319,400 | $223,900 – $385,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 250 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 190 kts (352 km/h) |
| Range | 1,225 nm (2,269 km) | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,688 ft (6,306 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg) | 5,150 lbs (2,336 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,846 lbs (837 kg) | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 166.0 gal (628 L) | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $38,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | $24,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $310 | $270 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Baron 58
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$310/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$90,000/yr
Cessna T303
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$270/hr
Annual Fixed$24,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$78,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron 58 or Cessna T303?
Bottom line: Choose the Baron 58 for class-leading performance, build quality and the strongest light-twin residuals. Choose the T303 for a comfortable cabin at lower acquisition cost, accepting the smaller fleet and support base.
Pick the Baron 58 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,635 vs $223,900, you save ~$34,265.
- Longer range — 1225 nm vs 1000 nm.
- More inventory — 75 listings vs 5.
Pick the T303 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$270/hr vs $310/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1983 vs 1970.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna T303 Crusader and Beechcraft Baron 58?
Rarity vs support. The T303 Crusader (Continental TSIO-520-AE, ~250 hp each, 6 seats, unpressurised, ~185–195 kt, only around 300 built) is a rare light twin — discontinued after low production. The Baron 58 (Continental IO-550-C, ~300 hp each, 6 seats, unpressurised, ~200–203 kt) is among the most capable unpressurised light twins, with one of the best support networks in piston twins.
T303 Crusader or Baron 58 — which 6-seat twin?
Buy the Baron 58 for virtually any practical 6-seat piston twin mission — its support depth, parts availability, and established market are decisive advantages. Buy the T303 only if a specific appreciation for the rare Crusader, its wide cabin, or collector value are the motivation.
Is the T303 Crusader pressurised?
No. Despite its turbocharged engines, the Cessna T303 Crusader was not pressurised, and the Baron 58 is also unpressurised — both sit in the same 6-seat unpressurised class. For pressurised piston twin options, look instead at the Cessna 421 or the Piper Navajo Chieftain.
How do specs compare?
Cessna T303 Crusader: TSIO-520-AE (~250 hp each), 6 seats, unpressurised, ~185–195 kt. Beechcraft Baron 58: IO-550-C (~300 hp each), 6 seats, unpressurised, ~200–203 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Baron's IO-550 engines cost less per hour than the T303's TSIO-520, and the Baron's larger fleet keeps maintenance costs competitive. The T303's rarity increases per-event maintenance cost — specialist knowledge is required and fewer qualified mechanics are available.
Which should I buy?
Beechcraft Baron 58 for a practical 6-seat piston twin — one of the best ever built, with comprehensive support. Cessna T303 for the buyer who specifically wants this rare aircraft and accepts specialist maintenance requirements.
Which is better, Beechcraft Baron 58 or Cessna T303?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Baron 58 cruises at 190 kts with 1,225 nm range.
The T303 cruises at 190 kts with 1,000 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Baron 58: from $599,000.
Cessna T303: from $399,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Baron 58 and Cessna T303?
T303 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-AE;LTSIO-520-520-AE (250 hp).
Cruise: 190 vs 190 kts.
Range: 1225 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Baron 58: about $310/hr variable cost.
T303: about $270/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?
Baron 58: 6 seats / 1,846 lb useful load.
T303: 6 seats / 1,600 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?
Baron 58: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
T303: 2,000-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