Cessna T303 vs Beechcraft Baron 58

The Cessna T303 Crusader and Beechcraft Baron 58 are owner-flown light twins — the T303 is a comfortable counter-rotating-prop Cessna; the Baron 58 is the segment benchmark for performance, build quality and resale.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna T303
For sale now
5
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
4
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1982–1984
Beechcraft Baron 58
For sale now
121
Median asking
$449,000
Range
$189,635–$1,319,400
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
40
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1970–2024

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 T303Beechcraft Baron 58
All events37
Serious4
Fatal12
Fatalities32
% Fatal32%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna T303 Beechcraft Baron 58
Cessna T303
View 5 listings →
Median $259,000
Beechcraft Baron 58
View 122 listings →
Median $449,000
Price Range $223,900 – $385,000 $189,635 – $1,319,400
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 250 HP
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 190 kts (352 km/h)
Range 1,000 nm (1,852 km) 1,225 nm (2,269 km)
Service Ceiling 20,688 ft (6,306 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,150 lbs (2,336 kg) 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg)
Useful Load 1,600 lbs (726 kg) 1,846 lbs (837 kg)
Fuel Capacity 166.0 gal (628 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000
Annual Fixed $28,000
Hourly Variable $310
Engines 2 x Reciprocating 2 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna T303

Beechcraft Baron 58

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$310/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $90,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna T303 or Beechcraft Baron 58?

Bottom line: Choose the Baron 58 for class-leading performance, build quality and the strongest light-twin residuals. Choose the T303 for a comfortable cabin at lower acquisition cost, accepting the smaller fleet and support base.

Pick the T303 if…

  • Newer design — production from 1983 vs 1970.

Pick the Baron 58 if…

  • Budget matters — from $189,635 vs $223,900, you save ~$34,265.
  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Longer range — 1225 nm vs 1000 nm.
  • More inventory — 122 listings vs 5.

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 T303 or Beechcraft Baron 58?
It depends on your mission and budget. The T303 cruises at 190 kts with 1,000 nm range. The Baron 58 cruises at 190 kts with 1,225 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna T303: from $259,000. Beechcraft Baron 58: from $575,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna T303 and Beechcraft Baron 58?
T303 engine: Continental TSIO-520-AE;LTSIO-520-520-AE (250 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 190 vs 190 kts. Range: 1000 vs 1225 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Baron 58: about $310/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?
T303: 4 seats / 1,600 lb useful load. Baron 58: 6 seats / 1,846 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?
T303: 2,000-hour TBO. Baron 58: 1,700-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