Cessna T310 vs Cessna 421
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna T310
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 T310 | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 56 | 326 |
| Serious | 5 | 23 |
| Fatal | 20 | 121 |
| Fatalities | 39 | 342 |
| % Fatal | 36% | 37% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna T310 | Cessna 421 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $138,945 – $683,750 |
| Category | — | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 230 kts (426 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,200 ft (9,205 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg) | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 213.0 gal (806 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | $50,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $340 | $400 |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna T310
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$340/hr
Annual Fixed$32,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$100,000/yr
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 T310 or Cessna 421?
Pick the T310 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$340/hr vs $400/hr.
Pick the 421 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
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 T310 or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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 T310 and Cessna 421?
T310 engine: Continental TSIO-520-B;TSIO-520-BB.
421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D.
Seats: 6 vs 8.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
T310: about $340/hr variable cost.
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?
T310: 6 seats.
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?
T310: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
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