Piper Aerostar vs Cessna 340

The Piper Aerostar (PA-60) and Cessna 340 are pressurised owner-flown piston twins — the Aerostar is the fastest piston twin in production form (~260 kt); the 340 is the comfortable, more docile pressurised cruiser.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Aerostar
For sale now
11
Median asking
$331,738
Range
$160,200–$479,938
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
7
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1976–1984
Cessna 340
For sale now
81
Median asking
$300,000
Range
$168,823–$523,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
28
Source marketplaces
16
Model years available
1972–1984

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)Piper AerostarCessna 340
All events40191
Serious27
Fatal1572
Fatalities38179
% Fatal38%38%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Aerostar Cessna 340
Piper Aerostar
View 11 listings →
Median $331,738
Cessna 340
View 82 listings →
Median $300,000
Price Range $160,200 – $479,938 $168,823 – $523,000
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Cruise Speed 220 kts (407 km/h) 195 kts (361 km/h)
Range 1,086 nm (2,011 km) 1,180 nm (2,185 km)
Service Ceiling 29,800 ft (9,083 m)
Max Gross Weight 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg)
Useful Load 1,840 lbs (835 kg)
Fuel Capacity 163.0 gal (617 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000
Annual Fixed $28,000
Hourly Variable $320
Engines 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Aerostar

Cessna 340

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $92,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Aerostar or Cessna 340?

Bottom line: Choose the Aerostar for outright speed — no piston twin cruises faster. Choose the Cessna 340 for a more comfortable cabin, easier handling and a larger, better-supported fleet, when speed isn't the priority.

Pick the Aerostar if…

  • Budget matters — from $160,200 vs $168,823, you save ~$8,623.
  • Faster cruise — 220 kts vs 195 kts.

Pick the 340 if…

  • Longer range — 1180 nm vs 1086 nm.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 11.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Piper Aerostar or Cessna 340?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Aerostar cruises at 220 kts with 1,086 nm range. The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Aerostar: from $159,000. Cessna 340: from $199,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Aerostar and Cessna 340?
340 engine: Continental TSIO-520-K. Cruise: 220 vs 195 kts. Range: 1086 vs 1180 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340: about $320/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?
Aerostar: 6 seats. 340: 6 seats / 1,840 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?
340: 1,400-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