American Champion 8GCBC vs Piper Malibu
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | American Champion 8GCBC | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $138,982 – $329,500 | $221,331 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 3 kts (6 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $190 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAmerican Champion 8GCBC
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: American Champion 8GCBC or Piper Malibu?
Pick the 8GCBC if…
- Budget matters — from $138,982 vs $221,331, you save ~$82,349.
- Newer design — production from 1996 vs 1984.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 3 kts.
- More inventory — 296 listings vs 11.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, American Champion 8GCBC or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 8GCBC cruises at 3 kts.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $630,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between American Champion 8GCBC and Piper Malibu?
Seats: 1 vs 6.
Cruise: 3 vs 198 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/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?
8GCBC: 1 seats.
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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