Cessna 340 vs Piper Aerostar
The Piper Aerostar (PA-60) and Cessna 340 are pressurised owner-flown piston twins — the Aerostar is the fastest piston twin in production form (~260 kt); the 340 is the comfortable, more docile pressurised cruiser.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 340
- For sale now
- 81
- Median asking
- $300,000
- Range
- $168,823–$523,000
- Model years available
- 1972–1984
Piper Aerostar
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $331,738
- Range
- $160,200–$479,938
- Model years available
- 1976–1984
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) | Cessna 340 | Piper Aerostar |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 191 | 40 |
| Serious | 7 | 2 |
| Fatal | 72 | 15 |
| Fatalities | 179 | 38 |
| % Fatal | 38% | 38% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 340 | Piper Aerostar |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $168,823 – $523,000 | $160,200 – $479,938 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 290 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 195 kts (361 km/h) | 220 kts (407 km/h) |
| Range | 1,180 nm (2,185 km) | 1,086 nm (2,011 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 163.0 gal (617 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 34.0 GPH (129 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$92,000/yr
Piper Aerostar
Fuel$187/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340 or Piper Aerostar?
Bottom line: Choose the Aerostar for outright speed — no piston twin cruises faster. Choose the Cessna 340 for a more comfortable cabin, easier handling and a larger, better-supported fleet, when speed isn't the priority.
Pick the 340 if…
- Longer range — 1180 nm vs 1086 nm.
- More inventory — 17 listings vs 12.
Pick the Aerostar if…
- Budget matters — from $160,200 vs $168,823, you save ~$8,623.
- Faster cruise — 220 kts vs 195 kts.
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 340 and Aerostar 601P?
Speed vs convention. The Cessna 340A (TSIO-520-NB, 310 hp each, pressurised, ~195–215 kt) is the well-supported pressurised piston twin. The Ted Smith Aerostar 601P (Lycoming TIO-540, ~290 hp each, pressurised, ~195–220 kt) is a sleek, mid-wing pressurised twin — known for its speed and sporty handling, but with a smaller support network and higher maintenance complexity.
Cessna 340 or Aerostar 601P — which pressurised twin?
Buy the Cessna 340 if: a well-supported pressurised twin with the Continental TSIO-520 network is the priority — the 340 is significantly more common and easier to maintain. Buy the Aerostar 601P if: the Aerostar's speed and handling appeal — and you're comfortable with a smaller specialist network and more demanding systems management.
What makes the Aerostar's handling distinctive?
The Aerostar is known for responsive, sports-car-like handling compared to the 340's more conventional twin behaviour. Its speed is competitive with the 340. The trade-off is higher pilot workload and systems complexity — the Aerostar is not a beginner's twin.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 340A: TSIO-520-NB (310 hp each), 5–6 seats, pressurised, ~195–215 kt. Aerostar 601P: TIO-540 (~290 hp each), 6 seats, pressurised, ~195–220 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Cessna 340's larger installed base and TSIO-520 familiarity keep operating costs more predictable. The Aerostar's smaller specialist community can increase maintenance cost and parts lead time. Both are high-cost pressurised twins; the 340's support advantage is meaningful.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 340 for a practical, well-supported pressurised twin. Aerostar 601P for the pilot who values speed and sporty handling in a pressurised twin — and has access to qualified Aerostar maintenance.
Which is better, Cessna 340 or Piper Aerostar?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range.
The Aerostar cruises at 220 kts with 1,086 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 340: from $490,000.
Piper Aerostar: from $162,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340 and Piper Aerostar?
340 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-K (285 hp).
Cruise: 195 vs 220 kts.
Range: 1180 vs 1086 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340: about $320/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?
340: 6 seats / 1,840 lb useful load.
Aerostar: 6 seats / 1,800 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?
340: 1,400-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