PA-23 Aztec F vs Seneca V
The Seneca V leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Piper Aircraft PA-23 Aztec F (introduced 1976) beside the Piper Aircraft Seneca V (introduced 1997) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the PA-23 Aztec F has the advantage. 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.
PA-23 Aztec F vs Seneca V: the key differences
- The PA-23 Aztec F delivers 21% more range (PA-23 Aztec F: 1,000 nm; Seneca V: 828 nm).
- The Seneca V delivers 13% more cruise speed (PA-23 Aztec F: 175 kt; Seneca V: 197 kt).
- The PA-23 Aztec F and Seneca V are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 6 seats.
- The Seneca V is the newer design (introduced 1997 versus 1976 for the PA-23 Aztec F), a gap of 21 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PA-23 Aztec F is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,200 lbs versus 4,773 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The PA-23 Aztec F is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,000 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Seneca V, at 828 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 Seneca V's range, the PA-23 Aztec F's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the PA-23 Aztec F leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Seneca V 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.
More comparisons
PA-23 Aztec F vs Seneca V: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the PA-23 Aztec F or the Seneca V?
The PA-23 Aztec F has the longer published range — 1,000 nm versus 828 nm for the Seneca V.
Which is faster, the PA-23 Aztec F or the Seneca V?
The Seneca V cruises faster, at 197 kt versus 175 kt for the PA-23 Aztec F.
Which is newer, the PA-23 Aztec F or the Seneca V?
The Seneca V is the newer design, introduced in 1997 versus 1976 for the PA-23 Aztec F.
Is the PA-23 Aztec F or the Seneca V the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PA-23 Aztec F is the larger aircraft — 5,200 lbs versus 4,773 lbs for the Seneca V.
Should I buy the PA-23 Aztec F or the Seneca V?
On published specifications the PA-23 Aztec F leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Seneca V 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 PA-23 Aztec F 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.