Aeronca 7AC vs Piper Cherokee 140
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Aeronca 7AC
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1946
Piper Cherokee 140
- For sale now
- 107
- Median asking
- $72,231
- Range
- $37,103–$122,058
- Model years available
- 1964–1977
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Aeronca 7AC | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 283 | 1 |
| Serious | 44 | 0 |
| Fatal | 36 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 50 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 13% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Aeronca 7AC | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,350 – $29,649 | $37,103 – $122,058 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 65 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 75 kts (139 km/h) | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | 250 nm (463 km) | 455 nm (843 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 12,500 ft (3,810 m) | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | 920 lbs (417 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 4.0 GPH (15 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $12,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $8,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $60 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAeronca 7AC
Fuel$22/hr
Variable$60/hr
Annual Fixed$8,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$20,000/yr
Piper Cherokee 140
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Aeronca 7AC or Piper Cherokee 140?
Pick the 7AC if…
- Budget matters — from $23,350 vs $37,103, you save ~$13,753.
- Lower operating cost — ~$60/hr vs $120/hr.
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 115 kts vs 75 kts.
- Longer range — 455 nm vs 250 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1946.
- More inventory — 125 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 Piper Cherokee 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 7AC cruises at 75 kts with 250 nm range.
The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Aeronca 7AC: from $32,500.
Piper Cherokee 140: from $77,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aeronca 7AC and Piper Cherokee 140?
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 75 vs 115 kts.
Range: 250 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
7AC: about $60/hr variable cost.
Cherokee 140: about $120/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 / 500 lb useful load.
Cherokee 140: 4 seats / 920 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.
Cherokee 140: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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