Cessna 310 vs Piper Aztec

The Piper Aztec and the Cessna 310 are two classic light twins — the rugged Aztec and the sleek, fast 310. The Aztec is the tough, load-hauling workhorse; the 310 the faster, sleeker cabin twin. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 310

No active listings right now.

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)Cessna 310Piper Aztec
All events5842
Serious420
Fatal1810
Fatalities3540
% Fatal31%0%
View full Cessna 310 NTSB record →View full Piper Aztec NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 310 Piper Aztec
Piper Aztec
View 32 listings →
Median $152,000
Price Range — $52,467 – $313,500
Category — Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5 6
Horsepower 240 HP 250 HP
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 149 kts (276 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 1,320 nm (2,445 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 17,600 ft (5,364 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg)
Useful Load 1,700 lbs (771 kg) 1,900 lbs (862 kg)
Fuel Capacity 100.0 gal (378 L) —
Fuel Burn 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) 24.0 GPH (91 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

Estimate

Cessna 310

Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $81,000/yr

Piper Aztec

Fuel$132/hr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 310 or Piper Aztec?

Bottom line: Choose the Aztec for a rugged, affordable twin — a tough, good-hauling workhorse at a lower entry point. Choose the 310 for speed and style — a sleeker, faster light twin with a comfortable cabin. On safety both are piston twins with engine-out redundancy but, like all light twins, rewarding engine-out proficiency; the difference is ruggedness versus speed, not safety class. Rugged workhorse, or sleek and fast.

Pick the 310 if…

  • Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 149 kts.

Pick the Aztec if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 5.
  • Longer range — 1320 nm vs 800 nm.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Aztec and Cessna 310?
The Aztec is the rugged, load-hauling twin; the 310 the faster, sleeker one. They differ in toughness and load versus speed and style.
Which is faster?
The 310 — sleeker and quicker than the Aztec, which trades speed for ruggedness and hauling.
Which is cheaper to buy?
Often the Aztec — a durable, lower-cost workhorse. The 310 commands more for speed and a more refined cabin.
Which is better, Cessna 310 or Piper Aztec?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 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?
Piper Aztec: from $259,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 310 and Piper Aztec?
310 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp). Seats: 5 vs 6. Cruise: 190 vs 149 kts. Range: 800 vs 1320 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. 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?
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data