310R vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 310R (introduced 1975) beside the Piper Aircraft PA-31 Navajo Chieftain (introduced 1973) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
310R vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: the key differences
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain delivers 26% more range (310R: 800 nm; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 1,011 nm).
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain delivers 1% more cruise speed (310R: 191 kt; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 193 kt).
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain delivers 67% more passenger capacity (310R: 6 seats; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 10 seats).
- The 310R is the newer design (introduced 1975 versus 1973 for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain), a gap of 2 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,000 lbs versus 5,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,011 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 310R, at 800 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 310R's range, the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 310R can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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310R vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 310R or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain has the longer published range — 1,011 nm versus 800 nm for the 310R.
Does the 310R or PA-31 Navajo Chieftain seat more passengers?
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 6 on the 310R.
Which is faster, the 310R or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain cruises faster, at 193 kt versus 191 kt for the 310R.
Which is newer, the 310R or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The 310R is the newer design, introduced in 1975 versus 1973 for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain.
Is the 310R or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the larger aircraft — 7,000 lbs versus 5,500 lbs for the 310R.
Should I buy the 310R or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
On published specifications the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 310R can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 310R vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.