Cessna 310J vs Cessna 421
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 310J
- For sale now
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1965–1965
Cessna 421
- For sale now
- 85
- Median asking
- $410,912
- Range
- $138,945–$683,750
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 38
- Source marketplaces
- 12
- Model years available
- 1968–1984
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 310J | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 31 | 326 |
| Serious | 3 | 23 |
| Fatal | 3 | 121 |
| Fatalities | 4 | 342 |
| % Fatal | 10% | 37% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 310J | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $145,000 | $138,945 – $683,750 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 310J
Cessna 421
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 310J or Cessna 421?
Pick the 310J if…
Pick the 421 if…
- Budget matters — from $138,945 vs $145,000, you save ~$6,055.
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 190 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 800 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1963.
- More inventory — 82 listings vs 1.
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 310J or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 310J cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range.
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?
Cessna 310J: from $145,000.
Cessna 421: from $319,999.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 310J and Cessna 421?
310J engine: Continental O-470-U (260 hp).
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
Seats: 6 vs 8.
Cruise: 190 vs 230 kts.
Range: 800 vs 1385 nm.
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?
310J: 6 seats / 1,700 lb 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?
310J: 1,500-hour TBO.
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