Howard 500 vs Cessna 310
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Howard 500
- For sale now
- 2
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1960–1963
Cessna 310
No active listings right now.
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) | Howard 500 | Cessna 310 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 584 |
| Serious | — | 42 |
| Fatal | — | 181 |
| Fatalities | — | 354 |
| % Fatal | — | 31% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Howard 500 | Cessna 310 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,500,000 | $19,000 – $270,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 5 |
| Horsepower | — | 240 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 250 kts (463 km/h) | 190 kts (352 km/h) |
| Range | — | 800 nm (1,482 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,830 lbs (2,191 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $38,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateHoward 500
Cessna 310
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Howard 500 or Cessna 310?
Pick the 500 if…
- Faster cruise — 250 kts vs 190 kts.
Pick the 310 if…
- Budget matters — from $19,000 vs $2,500,000, you save ~$2,481,000.
- More seats — 5 vs 1.
- More inventory — 48 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Howard 500 or Cessna 310?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 500 cruises at 250 kts.
The 310 cruises at 190 kts with 800 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Howard 500 and Cessna 310?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 5.
Cruise: 250 vs 190 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
310: about $280/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?
500: 1 seats.
310: 5 seats / 1,700 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?
310: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
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