DC-3 vs PA-34 Seneca

The DC-3 and the PA-34 Seneca are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Douglas and Piper respectively. Top speed is 413 km/h for the DC-3 vs 378 km/h for the PA-34 Seneca. The DC-3 has an operational range of 2,540 km vs 1,611 km for the PA-34 Seneca. The PA-34 Seneca operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 13,154 kg MTOW, the DC-3 is 6.1x the PA-34 Seneca's 2,155 kg. The DC-3 has been produced in 10,174 units vs 5,037 for the PA-34 Seneca. The DC-3 first flew 26 years before the PA-34 Seneca (1941 vs 1967).

American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $0.1 million
American twin-engined light aircraft, renowned for its versatility, extensively used for flight training and personal use since the 1970s.
Piper PA-34 Seneca Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 25 April 1967
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 5037 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 91.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m â—‰
Height 5.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 413 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,071 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,450 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW â—‰
Wing area 19.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.9 m â—‰
Height 3.0 m â—‰
Length 8.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 378 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,611 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,155 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,457 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 164 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DC-3 or PA-34 Seneca?
The DC-3 is faster with a maximum speed of 413 km/h compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 378 km/h, a difference of 35 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DC-3 or PA-34 Seneca?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 1,611 km.
Which can fly higher, the DC-3 or PA-34 Seneca?
The PA-34 Seneca has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the DC-3 or PA-34 Seneca?
The DC-3 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,154 kg compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 2,155 kg.
Which is larger, the DC-3 or PA-34 Seneca?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 8.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the DC-3 or PA-34 Seneca?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 35 years before the PA-34 Seneca which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DC-3 or PA-34 Seneca?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 5,037 units of the PA-34 Seneca.