Cessna T303 vs Piper Seneca
The Cessna T303 Crusader and Piper Seneca are modern light piston twins aimed at owner-flown travel and twin training — the T303 is a clean 1980s Cessna design with counter-rotating props; the Seneca is the long-running, widely-supported Piper twin.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 5
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1982–1984
- For sale now
- 111
- Median asking
- $227,990
- Range
- $89,465–$640,128
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 39
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1967–2023
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 T303 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 37 | 2 |
| Serious | 4 | 0 |
| Fatal | 12 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 32 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 32% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna T303 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $223,900 – $385,000 | $89,465 – $640,128 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 250 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,150 lbs (2,336 kg) | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna T303
Piper Seneca
Which Should You Buy: Cessna T303 or Piper Seneca?
Bottom line: Choose the Seneca for the larger fleet, broad support and proven training/utility record. Choose the T303 Crusader for its refined cabin and pleasant handling, accepting a much smaller fleet and parts base.
Pick the T303 if…
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1000 nm vs 750 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1983 vs 1972.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $89,465 vs $223,900, you save ~$134,435.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- More inventory — 107 listings vs 5.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.