Cessna 340 vs Piper Seneca

The Cessna 340 (pressurised cabin-class piston twin, ~225 kt) and Piper Seneca PA-34 (unpressurised six-seat piston twin, ~190 kt) are direct piston-twin competitors at different price points — the 340 adds pressurisation and the cabin-class cabin.

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
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
28
Source marketplaces
16
Model years available
1972–1984
Piper Seneca
For sale now
111
Median asking
$227,990
Range
$89,465–$640,128
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
39
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1967–2023

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 340Piper Seneca
All events1912
Serious70
Fatal720
Fatalities1790
% Fatal38%0%
View full Cessna 340 NTSB record →View full Piper Seneca NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 340 Piper Seneca
Cessna 340
View 17 listings →
Median $300,000
 Piper Seneca
View 114 listings →
Median $227,990
Price Range $168,823 – $523,000 $89,465 – $640,128
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 285 HP 220 HP
Cruise Speed 195 kts (361 km/h) 180 kts (333 km/h)
Range 1,180 nm (2,185 km) 750 nm (1,389 km)
Service Ceiling 29,800 ft (9,083 m) 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg)
Useful Load 1,840 lbs (835 kg) 1,590 lbs (721 kg)
Fuel Capacity 163.0 gal (617 L) 123.0 gal (466 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 22.0 GPH (83 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000 $40,000
Annual Fixed $28,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $320 $280
Engines 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 340

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $92,000/yr

Piper Seneca

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

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340 or Piper Seneca?

Bottom line: Choose the 340 for pressurisation, higher cruise and the cabin-class cabin — materially higher capability. Choose the Seneca for unpressurised six-seat twin economics at much lower acquisition cost — the practical entry-level piston twin.

Pick the 340 if…

  • Faster cruise — 195 kts vs 180 kts.
  • Longer range — 1180 nm vs 750 nm.

Pick the Seneca if…

  • Budget matters — from $89,465 vs $168,823, you save ~$79,358.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$280/hr vs $320/hr.
  • More inventory — 114 listings vs 17.

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 Piper Seneca?
Pressurization. The Cessna 340A uses turbocharged Continental TSIO-520-NB engines (~310 hp each) in a pressurized cabin — executive transport above weather in a six-seat twin. The Piper Seneca (PA-34) uses Continental TSIO-360 engines (~220 hp each) — an unpressurized six-seat twin at lower acquisition and operating cost. The 340 adds altitude comfort; the Seneca is simpler and more economical.
Cessna 340 or Piper Seneca — which light twin?
Buy the Cessna 340 if pressurized cabin comfort, IFR altitude flexibility, and cruise in the mid-teens define the mission — it is a genuinely capable pressurized twin for personal and light-charter operations. Buy the Seneca if unpressurized twin ownership at lower cost is adequate — its six-seat capability and lower operating cost make it the budget alternative to a pressurized piston twin.
What does the 340's pressurization deliver at cost?
The 340's TSIO-520-NB engines and pressurization system add complexity — pressurization seals, outflow valve, differential-pressure controller, and the turbocharger system all require experienced maintenance. The Seneca's TSIO-360 is a smaller, less complex engine. For operators who commit to the 340's maintenance requirements, pressurized comfort above weather is the return on that investment.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 340A: Continental TSIO-520-NB (~310 hp each), six seats, pressurized, ~200 kt. Piper Seneca: Continental TSIO-360 (~220 hp each), six seats, unpressurized, ~165 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Seneca is significantly cheaper to operate — smaller engines, no pressurization system, and lower overhaul costs per engine. The 340's TSIO-520-NB is a large, complex engine with a substantial overhaul cost. For operators who don't need pressurization, the Seneca's economics are compelling; the 340's cost is justified only when pressurization is genuinely mission-critical.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 340 for pressurized six-seat twin ownership — IFR comfort and cruise-altitude capability at the lowest entry to pressurized piston twins. Seneca for budget-conscious six-seat twin ownership where unpressurized operation is acceptable and per-hour cost matters. Pressurization is the deciding variable.
Which is better, Cessna 340 or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range. The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 340: from $490,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340 and Piper Seneca?
340 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-K (285 hp). Cruise: 195 vs 180 kts. Range: 1180 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340: about $320/hr variable cost. Seneca: 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?
340: 6 seats / 1,840 lb useful load. Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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. Seneca: 1,800-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