Piper Aztec vs Cessna 310

The Piper Aztec and Cessna 310 are the two iconic 1960s light piston twins — the Aztec is the rugged, roomy load-hauler; the 310 is the faster, sleeker cruiser.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Aztec
For sale now
30
Median asking
$152,000
Range
$52,467–$313,500
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
9
Source marketplaces
8
Model years available
1965–1979
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 AztecCessna 310
All events2584
Serious042
Fatal0181
Fatalities0354
% Fatal0%31%
View full Piper Aztec NTSB record →View full Cessna 310 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Aztec Cessna 310
Piper Aztec
View 30 listings →
Median $152,000
View 48 listings →
Median $145,000
Price Range $52,467 – $313,500 $19,000 – $270,000
Category Multi Engine Piston —
Model Specifications
Seats 6 5
Horsepower — 240 HP
Cruise Speed 149 kts (276 km/h) 190 kts (352 km/h)
Range 1,320 nm (2,445 km) 800 nm (1,482 km)
Max Gross Weight 5,200 lbs (2,359 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 Aztec

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 Aztec or Cessna 310?

Bottom line: Choose the 310 for higher cruise speed and ramp presence. Choose the Aztec for load-hauling ruggedness, a forgiving platform and a roomy cabin — the utility-minded light twin.

Pick the Aztec if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 5.
  • Longer range — 1320 nm vs 800 nm.

Pick the 310 if…

  • Budget matters — from $19,000 vs $52,467, you save ~$33,467.
  • Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 149 kts.
  • More inventory — 48 listings vs 30.

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 Aztec or Cessna 310?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Aztec cruises at 149 kts with 1,320 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 Aztec: from $50,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Aztec and Cessna 310?
310 engine: Continental O-470-B;O-470-M (240 hp). Seats: 6 vs 5. Cruise: 149 vs 190 kts. Range: 1320 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?
Aztec: 6 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