Cessna 310 vs Piper Twin Comanche

The Piper Twin Comanche (light, efficient) and Cessna 310 (faster, larger light twin) are different points in the piston-twin range — the Twin Comanche prioritises economy; the 310 prioritises speed and cabin.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 310

No active listings right now.

Piper Twin Comanche
For sale now
23
Median asking
$143,000
Range
$105,000–$210,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
5
Model years available
1964–1973

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 Twin Comanche
All events584
Serious42
Fatal181
Fatalities354
% Fatal31%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 310 Piper Twin Comanche
View 48 listings →
Median $145,000
Piper Twin Comanche
View 26 listings →
Median $143,000
Price Range $19,000 – $270,000 $105,000 – $210,000
Category Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5 4
Horsepower 240 HP
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 155 kts (287 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Max Gross Weight 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) 3,725 lbs (1,690 kg)
Useful Load 1,700 lbs (771 kg)
Fuel Burn 22.0 GPH (83 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $38,000
Annual Fixed $25,000
Hourly Variable $280
Engines 2 x Reciprocating

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 Twin Comanche

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 310 or Piper Twin Comanche?

Bottom line: Choose the 310 for higher cruise, a larger cabin and a bigger fleet. Choose the Twin Comanche for the lowest piston-twin operating cost and efficient cruising, when the smaller cabin and speed are acceptable.

Pick the 310 if…

  • Budget matters — from $19,000 vs $105,000, you save ~$86,000.
  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 155 kts.
  • More inventory — 48 listings vs 26.

Pick the Twin Comanche if…

  • Longer range — 1000 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

Which is better, Cessna 310 or Piper Twin Comanche?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range. The Twin Comanche cruises at 155 kts with 1,000 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Twin Comanche: from $130,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 310 and Piper Twin Comanche?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp). Seats: 5 vs 4. Cruise: 190 vs 155 kts. Range: 800 vs 1000 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. Twin Comanche: 4 seats. 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