Aeronca 7AC vs Cessna 140
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Aeronca 7AC | Cessna 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,000 – $29,999 | $18,500 – $69,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 85 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 90 kts (167 km/h) |
| Range | — | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 4.0 GPH (15 L/h) | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $8,000 | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $60 | $80 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x 4-Cycle |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAeronca 7AC
Fuel$22/hr
Variable$60/hr
Annual Fixed$8,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$20,000/yr
Cessna 140
Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$26,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Aeronca 7AC or Cessna 140?
Pick the 7AC if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$60/hr vs $80/hr.
Pick the 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $18,500 vs $23,000, you save ~$4,500.
- More inventory — 12 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Aeronca 7AC or Cessna 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 140 cruises at 90 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Aeronca 7AC: from $23,000.
Cessna 140: from $42,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aeronca 7AC and Cessna 140?
140 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
7AC: about $60/hr variable cost.
140: about $80/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
7AC: 2 seats.
140: 2 seats / 500 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
7AC: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$12,000.
140: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data