Cessna 337 vs Piper Aztec
The Cessna 337 Skymaster (centreline-thrust twin) and Piper Aztec (conventional light twin) are different-philosophy piston twins — the 337's inline engines remove asymmetric-thrust risk; the Aztec is the rugged conventional load-hauler.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 337
- For sale now
- 23
- Median asking
- $129,750
- Range
- $98,400–$201,015
- Model years available
- 1963–1979
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 337 | Piper Aztec |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 122 | 2 |
| Serious | 18 | 0 |
| Fatal | 38 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 69 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 31% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 337 | Piper Aztec |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $98,400 – $201,015 | $52,467 – $313,500 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 210 HP | 250 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 149 kts (276 km/h) |
| Range | 900 nm (1,667 km) | 1,320 nm (2,445 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 19,500 ft (5,944 m) | 17,600 ft (5,364 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 1,900 lbs (862 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 90.0 gal (341 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) | 24.0 GPH (91 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $260 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 337
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$260/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$77,000/yr
Piper Aztec
Fuel$132/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 337 or Piper Aztec?
Bottom line: Choose the 337 for its unique safe engine-out handling and simple twin transition. Choose the Aztec for load-hauling ruggedness, a roomy cabin and the conventional twin's larger support base.
Pick the 337 if…
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 149 kts.
Pick the Aztec if…
- Budget matters — from $52,467 vs $98,400, you save ~$45,933.
- Longer range — 1320 nm vs 900 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
What's the key difference between the Cessna 337 Skymaster and Piper Aztec?
Configuration philosophy. The Cessna 337 (twin Continental IO-360, ~210 hp each, 4–6 seats, centreline-thrust push-pull) places both engines on the fuselage centreline — so loss of either engine produces no asymmetric thrust. The Piper Aztec (PA-23-250, Lycoming IO-540, ~250 hp each, 5–6 seats, conventional wing-mounted twins, ~180–190 kt) is the conventional twin — more powerful and faster, but with normal minimum-control-speed concerns on engine failure.
Cessna 337 or Piper Aztec — which twin?
Buy the 337 if: the centreline-thrust safety advantage (no Vmc roll/yaw) and single-engine simplicity are the priorities — the 337 is an ideal step-up twin for pilots wary of conventional twin engine-out handling. Buy the Aztec if: higher power, more speed, and conventional twin handling define the mission. The 337's safety philosophy is unique; the Aztec is the more capable cross-country aircraft.
How significant is the 337's centreline thrust?
In a conventional twin, engine failure at low speed near Vmc is the most dangerous scenario — asymmetric thrust can overwhelm rudder authority. The 337's centreline push-pull layout eliminates this: either engine failing leaves the aircraft controllable with no yaw moment. This is why the 337 is popular with owner-pilots who fly single-pilot IFR and value risk reduction.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 337G: IO-360 (~210 hp each), 4–6 seats, push-pull centreline, ~155–170 kt. Piper Aztec PA-23-250: IO-540 (~250 hp each), 5–6 seats, wing-mounted, ~180–190 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 337's smaller IO-360 engines burn less fuel than the Aztec's IO-540. However, the 337's rear engine runs hotter due to its enclosed installation — this can mean higher rear-engine overhaul attention. The Aztec's conventional twin systems are more predictable to maintain.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 337 for the pilot who values centreline-thrust safety — no asymmetric thrust on engine failure. Piper Aztec for conventional twin capability, more power, and better speed when the 337's safety philosophy is not the primary driver.
Which is better, Cessna 337 or Piper Aztec?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 337 cruises at 170 kts with 900 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?
Cessna 337: from $137,604.
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 337 and Piper Aztec?
337 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-360-C (210 hp).
Cruise: 170 vs 149 kts.
Range: 900 vs 1320 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
337: about $260/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?
337: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
337: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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