Howard 500 vs Piper Twin Comanche
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 Twin Comanche
- For sale now
- 23
- Median asking
- $143,000
- Range
- $105,000–$210,000
- Model years available
- 1964–1973
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Howard 500 | Piper Twin Comanche |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,500,000 | $105,000 – $210,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 2,500 HP | 160 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 250 kts (463 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 18,600 ft (5,669 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,725 lbs (1,690 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 1,450 lbs (658 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 100.0 GPH (378 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Howard 500 or Piper Twin Comanche?
Pick the 500 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 250 kts vs 155 kts.
- Longer range — 1200 nm vs 1000 nm.
Pick the Twin Comanche if…
- Budget matters — from $105,000 vs $2,500,000, you save ~$2,395,000.
- More inventory — 29 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 Twin Comanche?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 500 cruises at 250 kts with 1,200 nm range.
The Twin Comanche cruises at 155 kts with 1,000 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 Twin Comanche: from $178,649.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Howard 500 and Piper Twin Comanche?
Seats: 7 vs 4.
Cruise: 250 vs 155 kts.
Range: 1200 vs 1000 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.
Twin Comanche: 4 seats / 1,450 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