Cessna 421C vs Cessna 340

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 421C
For sale now
63
Median asking
$465,000
Range
$190,200–$695,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
27
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
1974–1984
Cessna 340
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

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 421CCessna 340
All events136191
Serious77
Fatal5572
Fatalities157179
% Fatal40%38%
View full Cessna 421C NTSB record →View full Cessna 340 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 421C Cessna 340
Cessna 421C
View 61 listings →
Median $465,000
 Cessna 340
View 82 listings →
Median $300,000
Price Range $190,200 – $695,000 $168,823 – $523,000
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 8 6
Horsepower 375 HP —
Cruise Speed 230 kts (426 km/h) 195 kts (361 km/h)
Range 1,385 nm (2,565 km) 1,180 nm (2,185 km)
Service Ceiling — 29,800 ft (9,083 m)
Max Gross Weight 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg)
Useful Load 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) 1,840 lbs (835 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 163.0 gal (617 L)
Fuel Burn 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) 28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
TBO 1,600 hrs 1,400 hrs
Overhaul Cost $50,000 $40,000
Annual Fixed $35,000 $28,000
Hourly Variable $400 $320
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 421C

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

Cessna 340

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $92,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421C or Cessna 340?

Pick the 421C if…

  • More seats — 8 vs 6.
  • Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 195 kts.
  • Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1180 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1972.

Pick the 340 if…

  • Budget matters — from $168,823 vs $190,200, you save ~$21,377.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$320/hr vs $400/hr.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 61.

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 421C or Cessna 340?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 421C cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range. The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421C: from $275,000. Cessna 340: from $199,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421C and Cessna 340?
340 engine: Continental TSIO-520-K. Seats: 8 vs 6. Cruise: 230 vs 195 kts. Range: 1385 vs 1180 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421C: about $400/hr variable cost. 340: about $320/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?
421C: 8 seats / 2,450 lb useful load. 340: 6 seats / 1,840 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?
421C: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000. 340: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000. 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