Howard 500 vs Piper Aztec
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Howard 500
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1960–1963
Piper Aztec
- For sale now
- 30
- Median asking
- $152,000
- Range
- $52,467–$313,500
- Model years available
- 1965–1979
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) | Howard 500 | Piper Aztec |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Howard 500 | Piper Aztec |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,500,000 | $52,467 – $313,500 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 2,500 HP | 250 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 250 kts (463 km/h) | 149 kts (276 km/h) |
| Range | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) | 1,320 nm (2,445 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 17,600 ft (5,364 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 1,900 lbs (862 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 100.0 GPH (378 L/h) | 24.0 GPH (91 L/h) |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Howard 500 or Piper Aztec?
Pick the 500 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 250 kts vs 149 kts.
Pick the Aztec if…
- Budget matters — from $52,467 vs $2,500,000, you save ~$2,447,533.
- Longer range — 1320 nm vs 1200 nm.
- More inventory — 32 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Howard 500 or Piper Aztec?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 500 cruises at 250 kts with 1,200 nm range.
The Aztec cruises at 149 kts with 1,320 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Howard 500: from $2,500,000.
Piper Aztec: from $259,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Howard 500 and Piper Aztec?
Seats: 7 vs 6.
Cruise: 250 vs 149 kts.
Range: 1200 vs 1320 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
500: 7 seats / 3,500 lb useful load.
Aztec: 6 seats / 1,900 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?
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