Cessna T303 vs Piper Seneca
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna T303 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $220,000 – $399,000 | $53,000 – $875,612 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 250 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna T303
Piper Seneca
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna T303 or Piper Seneca?
Pick the T303 if…
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1000 nm vs 750 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1983 vs 1972.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $53,000 vs $220,000, you save ~$167,000.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- More inventory — 114 listings vs 5.
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 T303 or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The T303 cruises at 190 kts with 1,000 nm range.
The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna T303: from $399,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna T303 and Piper Seneca?
T303 engine: Continental TSIO-520-AE;LTSIO-520-520-AE (250 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 190 vs 180 kts.
Range: 1000 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Seneca: 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?
T303: 4 seats / 1,600 lb useful load.
Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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?
T303: 2,000-hour TBO.
Seneca: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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