Cessna 340 vs Cessna 421
The Cessna 340 (pressurised cabin-class piston twin, ~225 kt) and 421 Golden Eagle (pressurised top-of-line, ~240 kt) are direct cabin-class piston twin competitors — same DNA, but the 421 is the larger, more refined flagship.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- 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 340 | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 191 | 326 |
| Serious | 7 | 23 |
| Fatal | 72 | 121 |
| Fatalities | 179 | 342 |
| % Fatal | 38% | 37% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 340 | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $168,823 – $523,000 | $138,945 – $683,750 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 195 kts (361 km/h) | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | 1,180 nm (2,185 km) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 163.0 gal (617 L) | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340
Cessna 421
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340 or Cessna 421?
Bottom line: Choose the 340 for the lower-cost pressurised twin entry. Step up to the 421 for the larger cabin, higher cruise and the most refined piston-twin Cessna — at materially higher operating cost.
Pick the 340 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$320/hr vs $400/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1968.
Pick the 421 if…
- Budget matters — from $138,945 vs $168,823, you save ~$29,878.
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 195 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1180 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.