310R vs Seneca V
The Seneca V leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 310R (introduced 1975) and the Piper Aircraft Seneca V (introduced 1997) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. 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 Seneca V: the key differences
- The Seneca V delivers 4% more range (310R: 800 nm; Seneca V: 828 nm).
- The Seneca V delivers 3% more cruise speed (310R: 191 kt; Seneca V: 197 kt).
- The 310R and Seneca V are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 6 seats.
- The Seneca V is the newer design (introduced 1997 versus 1975 for the 310R), a gap of 22 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 310R is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,500 lbs versus 4,773 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 310R seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Seneca V when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 310R when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Seneca V holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
310R vs Seneca V: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 310R or the Seneca V?
The Seneca V has the longer published range — 828 nm versus 800 nm for the 310R.
Which is faster, the 310R or the Seneca V?
The Seneca V cruises faster, at 197 kt versus 191 kt for the 310R.
Which is newer, the 310R or the Seneca V?
The Seneca V is the newer design, introduced in 1997 versus 1975 for the 310R.
Is the 310R or the Seneca V the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 310R is the larger aircraft — 5,500 lbs versus 4,773 lbs for the Seneca V.
Should I buy the 310R or the Seneca V?
Choose the Seneca V when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 310R when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Seneca V holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 310R vs Seneca V?
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.