Piper Chieftain vs Cessna 421
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Chieftain | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $90,000 – $679,000 | $100,000 – $749,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $400 |
| Engines | — | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Chieftain
Cessna 421
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Chieftain or Cessna 421?
Pick the Chieftain if…
- Budget matters — from $90,000 vs $100,000, you save ~$10,000.
Pick the 421 if…
- More inventory — 89 listings vs 30.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Chieftain or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Chieftain: from $679,000.
Cessna 421: from $397,324.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Chieftain and Cessna 421?
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421: about $400/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?
421: 8 seats / 2,450 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?
421: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000.
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