Cessna 310 vs Piper Apache
The Piper Apache (early light twin) and Cessna 310 (faster, more capable light twin) are different-era piston twins — the Apache is the modest, economical 1950s twin; the 310 is the faster, better-supported cruiser.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 310
No active listings right now.
Piper Apache
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 1956–1961
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 310 | Piper Apache |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 584 | — |
| Serious | 42 | — |
| Fatal | 181 | — |
| Fatalities | 354 | — |
| % Fatal | 31% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 310 | Piper Apache |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | $64,100 – $213,410 |
| Category | — | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 240 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 616 nm (1,141 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) | 1,300 lbs (590 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 100.0 gal (378 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $280 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 310
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Piper Apache
Fuel$88/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 310 or Piper Apache?
Bottom line: Choose the 310 for higher performance, a larger cabin and a bigger fleet. Choose the Apache only for the cheapest entry into piston-twin ownership, with realistic budgets for older systems and parts.
Pick the 310 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 800 nm vs 616 nm.
Pick the Apache if…
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 310 and Piper Apache?
Speed and era. The Cessna 310 (Continental IO-470/IO-520, 260–285 hp each depending on variant, ~195–210 kt cruise) is a fast, sleek 1950s–1980s light twin — known for speed and efficiency. The Piper Apache (PA-23, Lycoming O-320/O-360, ~150–160 hp each, ~140–145 kt) is a slower, docile 1950s–1960s light twin — the Aztec's predecessor, designed more for training and gentle twin-engine introduction than for speed.
Cessna 310 or Piper Apache — which vintage twin?
Buy the Cessna 310 if: higher speed, sleeker aesthetics, and better cross-country performance define the priority. The 310 is the more capable aircraft. Buy the Piper Apache if: the lower acquisition cost, gentler handling for twin-engine training, and docile single-engine characteristics are preferred. The Apache is the slower, more forgiving aircraft — its gentle handling was a training asset.
How does the Apache's docile single-engine compare to the 310?
The Piper Apache has unusually gentle single-engine handling for a light twin — its low power loading and gentle minimum-control-speed behaviour made it a popular twin-engine training platform. The 310's single-engine performance is more demanding. For pilots new to twins, the Apache provides a gentle introduction; the 310 requires more precise technique.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 310R: IO-520-M (~285 hp each), 6 seats, ~195–210 kt. Piper Apache PA-23: O-320 (~150 hp each), 4–5 seats, ~140–145 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Piper Apache is less expensive — smaller engines, lower fuel burn, and lower acquisition cost. The 310's higher performance comes at proportionally higher operating cost. For twin-engine currency flying on a budget, the Apache's economics are better; for productive cross-country twin flying, the 310 justifies its cost.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 310 for a capable, fast light twin with real cross-country performance. Piper Apache for gentle twin-engine flying — training, currency, or the pilot who values docile handling over speed.
Which is better, Cessna 310 or Piper Apache?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range.
The Apache cruises at 135 kts with 616 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Apache: from $224,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 310 and Piper Apache?
310 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 4.
Cruise: 190 vs 135 kts.
Range: 800 vs 616 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
310: 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?
310: 5 seats / 1,700 lb useful load.
Apache: 4 seats / 1,300 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?
310: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data