Piper Apache vs Cessna 310

The Piper Apache (early light twin) and Cessna 310 (faster, more capable light twin) are different-era piston twins — the Apache is the modest, economical 1950s twin; the 310 is the faster, better-supported cruiser.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Apache
For sale now
3
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1956–1961
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)Piper ApacheCessna 310
All events—584
Serious—42
Fatal—181
Fatalities—354
% Fatal—31%
View full Piper Apache NTSB record →View full Cessna 310 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Apache Cessna 310
Piper Apache
View 3 listings →
Median $110,000
View 48 listings →
Median $145,000
Price Range $64,100 – $213,410 $19,000 – $270,000
Category Multi Engine Piston —
Model Specifications
Seats — 5
Horsepower — 240 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 190 kts (352 km/h)
Range 616 nm (1,141 km) 800 nm (1,482 km)
Max Gross Weight 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) 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 Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Apache

Cessna 310

Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $81,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Apache or Cessna 310?

Bottom line: Choose the 310 for higher performance, a larger cabin and a bigger fleet. Choose the Apache only for the cheapest entry into piston-twin ownership, with realistic budgets for older systems and parts.

Pick the Apache if…

Pick the 310 if…

  • Budget matters — from $19,000 vs $64,100, you save ~$45,100.
  • Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 800 nm vs 616 nm.
  • More inventory — 48 listings vs 3.

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 Apache or Cessna 310?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Apache cruises at 135 kts with 616 nm range. 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?
Piper Apache: from $110,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Apache and Cessna 310?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp). Cruise: 135 vs 190 kts. Range: 616 vs 800 nm.
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?
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