Cessna 320E vs Cessna 310
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 320E — 2 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | Lycoming O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 105 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | Lycoming O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 89 |
Cessna 310 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
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 320E | Cessna 310 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 14 | 584 |
| Serious | 2 | 42 |
| Fatal | 7 | 181 |
| Fatalities | 17 | 354 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 31% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 320E | Cessna 310 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $189,000 | $19,000 – $270,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 5 |
| Horsepower | 150–160 HP | 240 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120–122 kts (226 km/h) | 190 kts (352 km/h) |
| Range | — | 800 nm (1,482 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 4,830 lbs (2,191 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
EstimateCessna 320E
Cessna 310
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 320E or Cessna 310?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 320E: from $189,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 320E and Cessna 310?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp).
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.
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