The Beechcraft Model 80 Queen Air is compared with a Model 65 with more powerful engines and a swept fin. It was designed for "superior single-engine performance and extra cruising speed while retaining all the responsiveness of the Model 65", wrote David H. Hoffman in the April 30, 1962 issue of Aviation Week and Space Technology.

Hoffman wrote that this aircraft would be "pitted against Aero Commander's Model 680F" with a basic selling price of $120,000. The Model 80, he reported, was competitive with Beechcraft's own Super 18 "at about $123,300 and the Model 65 at $126,000". 

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