Cessna T310 vs Piper Seneca
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna T310
No active listings right now.
Piper Seneca
- For sale now
- 111
- Median asking
- $227,990
- Range
- $89,465–$640,128
- Model years available
- 1967–2023
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 T310 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 56 | 2 |
| Serious | 5 | 0 |
| Fatal | 20 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 39 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 36% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna T310 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $249,000 | $89,465 – $640,128 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 220 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 200 kts (370 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg) | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 102.0 gal (386 L) | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $32,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $340 | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna T310
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$340/hr
Annual Fixed$32,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$100,000/yr
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 T310 or Piper Seneca?
Pick the T310 if…
- Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1000 nm vs 750 nm.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $89,465 vs $249,000, you save ~$159,535.
- Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $340/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1969.
- More inventory — 114 listings vs 1.
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 T310 or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The T310 cruises at 200 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 T310: from $249,000.
Piper Seneca: from $248,653.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna T310 and Piper Seneca?
T310 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-B;TSIO-520-BB (285 hp).
Cruise: 200 vs 180 kts.
Range: 1000 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
T310: about $340/hr variable cost.
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?
T310: 6 seats / 1,800 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?
T310: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
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