Douglas DC-3 vs Beechcraft Model 18
The Douglas DC-3 and Beechcraft Model 18 (Twin Beech) are classic twin-radial transports — the DC-3 the large airliner/cargo legend, the Twin Beech the smaller, more attainable radial twin.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
No active listings right now.
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $254,000
- Range
- $143,100–$438,133
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1944–1964
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) | Douglas DC-3 | Beechcraft Model 18 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 59 | — |
| Serious | 5 | — |
| Fatal | 13 | — |
| Fatalities | 51 | — |
| % Fatal | 22% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Douglas DC-3 | Beechcraft Model 18 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $143,100 – $438,133 |
| Category | — | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 32 | 9 |
| Horsepower | — | 450 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | — | 800 nm (1,482 km) |
| Useful Load | — | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| TBO | — | 1,500 hrs |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x |
Which Should You Buy: Douglas DC-3 or Beechcraft Model 18?
Bottom line: Choose the Beechcraft 18 for a smaller, lower-cost radial-twin classic; choose the DC-3 for the iconic large transport with unmatched presence and a strong vintage-operator community (at higher operating cost). Beech 18 = attainable; DC-3 = icon/capacity.
Pick the DC-3 if…
- More seats — 32 vs 9.
Pick the Model 18 if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.