Cessna 421 vs Aerostar 601P

The Aerostar 601P and Cessna 421 are pressurised cabin-class piston twins — the Aerostar the fastest piston twin (sleek, mid-wing), the 421 a roomier cabin-class hauler.

Live Market Snapshot

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

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
Aerostar 601P
For sale now
3
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
1975–1978

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 421Aerostar 601P
All events3262
Serious230
Fatal1212
Fatalities3426
% Fatal37%100%
View full Cessna 421 NTSB record →View full Aerostar 601P NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 421 Aerostar 601P
Cessna 421
View 82 listings →
Median $410,912
 Aerostar 601P
View 3 listings →
Median $350,000
Price Range $138,945 – $683,750 $129,500 – $385,550
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 8 —
Cruise Speed 230 kts (426 km/h) 220 kts (407 km/h)
Range 1,385 nm (2,565 km) 1,086 nm (2,011 km)
Service Ceiling 30,200 ft (9,205 m) —
Max Gross Weight 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
Useful Load 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) —
Fuel Capacity 213.0 gal (806 L) —
Fuel Burn 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) —
TBO 1,600 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $50,000 —
Annual Fixed $35,000 —
Hourly Variable $400 —
Engines 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) —

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 421

Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $115,000/yr

Aerostar 601P

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421 or Aerostar 601P?

Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 421 for cabin room, payload and easier systems; choose the Aerostar 601P for class-leading speed (sleeker, faster) — rewarding expert maintenance and currency. 421 = cabin/payload; Aerostar = speed.

Pick the 421 if…

  • Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 220 kts.
  • Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1086 nm.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 3.

Pick the 601P if…

  • Budget matters — from $129,500 vs $138,945, you save ~$9,445.

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 421 or Aerostar 601P?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range. The 601P cruises at 220 kts with 1,086 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421: from $319,999. Aerostar 601P: from $389,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421 and Aerostar 601P?
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D. Cruise: 230 vs 220 kts. Range: 1385 vs 1086 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?
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?
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