American Champion 8KCAB vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | American Champion 8KCAB | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $218,500 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 1 kts (2 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | — | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $130 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAmerican Champion 8KCAB
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: American Champion 8KCAB or Cessna 172?
Pick the 8KCAB if…
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $218,500, you save ~$190,600.
- More seats — 4 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 1 kts.
- More inventory — 424 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, American Champion 8KCAB or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 8KCAB cruises at 1 kts.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
American Champion 8KCAB: from $218,500.
Cessna 172: from $125,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between American Champion 8KCAB and Cessna 172?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 4.
Cruise: 1 vs 122 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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?
8KCAB: 1 seats.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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