Cessna 421 vs Cessna 414

The Cessna 340 (pressurised cabin-class twin, ~225 kt), 414 Chancellor (pressurised larger cabin twin, ~210 kt) and 421 Golden Eagle (pressurised top-of-line, ~240 kt) are pressurised Cessna twin steps — same family, different size and capability.

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
Cessna 414
For sale now
41
Median asking
$450,000
Range
$227,883–$712,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
18
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
1971–1983

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 421Cessna 414
All events326149
Serious2316
Fatal12158
Fatalities342148
% Fatal37%39%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 421 Cessna 414
Cessna 421
View 82 listings →
Median $410,912
Cessna 414
View 41 listings →
Median $450,000
Price Range $138,945 – $683,750 $227,883 – $712,000
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 8 8
Cruise Speed 230 kts (426 km/h) 210 kts (389 km/h)
Range 1,385 nm (2,565 km) 1,315 nm (2,435 km)
Service Ceiling 30,200 ft (9,205 m) 30,200 ft (9,205 m)
Max Gross Weight 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) 6,750 lbs (3,062 kg)
Useful Load 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) 2,250 lbs (1,021 kg)
Fuel Capacity 213.0 gal (806 L) 206.0 gal (780 L)
Fuel Burn 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) 30.0 GPH (114 L/h)
TBO 1,600 hrs 1,400 hrs
Overhaul Cost $50,000 $45,000
Annual Fixed $35,000 $30,000
Hourly Variable $400 $350
Engines 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) 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

Cessna 414

Fuel$165/hr
Variable$350/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $100,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421 or Cessna 414?

Bottom line: Choose the 340 for the lowest-cost pressurised Cessna twin entry. Step up to the 414 for the larger executive cabin and improved systems; step up again to the 421 for the highest cruise, the largest fuselage and the most refined pressurised piston-twin Cessna.

Pick the 421 if…

  • Budget matters — from $138,945 vs $227,883, you save ~$88,938.
  • Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 210 kts.
  • Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1315 nm.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 41.

Pick the 414 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$350/hr vs $400/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1970 vs 1968.

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 Cessna 414?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range. The 414 cruises at 210 kts with 1,315 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421: from $319,999. Cessna 414: from $499,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421 and Cessna 414?
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D. 414 engine: Continental TSIO-520-N. Cruise: 230 vs 210 kts. Range: 1385 vs 1315 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421: about $400/hr variable cost. 414: about $350/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. 414: 8 seats / 2,250 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. 414: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$45,000. 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