Cessna 310R vs Cessna 421

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 310R
For sale now
9
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1975–1980
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 310RCessna 421
All events121326
Serious1123
Fatal50121
Fatalities96342
% Fatal41%37%
View full Cessna 310R NTSB record →View full Cessna 421 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 310R Cessna 421
Cessna 310R
View 9 listings →
Median $215,000
 Cessna 421
View 82 listings →
Median $410,912
Price Range $98,808 – $269,900 $138,945 – $683,750
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 8
Horsepower 285 HP —
Cruise Speed 195 kts (361 km/h) 230 kts (426 km/h)
Range 900 nm (1,667 km) 1,385 nm (2,565 km)
Service Ceiling — 30,200 ft (9,205 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg) 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg)
Useful Load 1,900 lbs (862 kg) 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 213.0 gal (806 L)
Fuel Burn 26.0 GPH (98 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 1,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $50,000
Annual Fixed $30,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $320 $400
Engines 2 x Reciprocating 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 310R

Fuel$143/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $94,000/yr

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 310R or Cessna 421?

Pick the 310R if…

  • Budget matters — from $98,808 vs $138,945, you save ~$40,137.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$320/hr vs $400/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1975 vs 1968.

Pick the 421 if…

  • More seats — 8 vs 6.
  • Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 195 kts.
  • Longer range — 1385 nm vs 900 nm.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 9.

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 310R or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 310R cruises at 195 kts with 900 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 310R: from $215,000. 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 310R and Cessna 421?
310R engine: Continental O-520-VO;O-520-MB (285 hp). 421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D. Seats: 6 vs 8. Cruise: 195 vs 230 kts. Range: 900 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
310R: about $320/hr variable cost. 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?
310R: 6 seats / 1,900 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?
310R: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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