Cessna Conquest vs Cessna 421

The Cessna Conquest (turboprop twin) and 421 (pressurised piston twin) are step-up and step-down in the same cabin-class family — the Conquest brings turbine reliability and speed; the 421 is the piston-powered, lower-acquisition alternative.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna Conquest

No active listings right now.

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 ConquestCessna 421
All events1326
Serious023
Fatal0121
Fatalities0342
% Fatal0%37%
View full Cessna Conquest NTSB record →View full Cessna 421 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Conquest Cessna 421
View 23 listings →
Median $1,162,500
 Cessna 421
View 82 listings →
Median $410,912
Price Range $773,539 – $2,450,000 $138,945 – $683,750
Category — Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 11 8
Cruise Speed 272 kts (504 km/h) 230 kts (426 km/h)
Range 1,650 nm (3,056 km) 1,385 nm (2,565 km)
Service Ceiling — 30,200 ft (9,205 m)
Max Gross Weight — 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg)
Useful Load 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) 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 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Conquest

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 Conquest or Cessna 421?

Bottom line: Choose the Conquest for turbine reliability, higher cruise and known maintenance intervals. Choose the 421 for lower acquisition cost when piston economics and a pressurised cabin meet the mission — accepting piston-twin engine management.

Pick the Conquest if…

  • More seats — 11 vs 8.
  • Faster cruise — 272 kts vs 230 kts.
  • Longer range — 1650 nm vs 1385 nm.

Pick the 421 if…

  • Budget matters — from $138,945 vs $773,539, you save ~$634,594.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 23.

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 Conquest or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Conquest cruises at 272 kts with 1,650 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 Conquest and Cessna 421?
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D. Seats: 11 vs 8. Cruise: 272 vs 230 kts. Range: 1650 vs 1385 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?
Conquest: 11 seats / 3,100 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?
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