Cessna 340A vs Cessna 421

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 340A
For sale now
66
Median asking
$320,632
Range
$185,682–$536,250
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
22
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
1976–1984
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 340ACessna 421
All events113326
Serious423
Fatal46121
Fatalities107342
% Fatal41%37%
View full Cessna 340A NTSB record →View full Cessna 421 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 340A Cessna 421
Cessna 340A
View 66 listings →
Median $320,632
 Cessna 421
View 82 listings →
Median $410,912
Price Range $185,682 – $536,250 $138,945 – $683,750
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 8
Horsepower 310 HP —
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 — 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 — 213.0 gal (806 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs 1,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000 $50,000
Annual Fixed $28,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $320 $400
Engines 2 x Reciprocating 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 340A

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $92,000/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 340A or Cessna 421?

Pick the 340A if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$320/hr vs $400/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1968.

Pick the 421 if…

  • Budget matters — from $138,945 vs $185,682, you save ~$46,737.
  • More seats — 8 vs 6.
  • Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 195 kts.
  • Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1180 nm.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 66.

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 340A or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 340A cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 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 421: from $319,999. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340A and Cessna 421?
340A engine: Continental TSIO-520-NB (310 hp). 421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D. Seats: 6 vs 8. Cruise: 195 vs 230 kts. Range: 1180 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340A: 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?
340A: 6 seats / 1,840 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?
340A: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000. 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