Beechcraft Staggerwing vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Staggerwing | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $289,000 – $775,000 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 450 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 750 nm (1,389 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Staggerwing
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Staggerwing or Cessna 172?
Pick the Staggerwing if…
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 640 nm.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $289,000, you save ~$261,100.
- More seats — 4 vs 1.
- Newer design — production from 1956 vs 1937.
- More inventory — 413 listings vs 4.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft Staggerwing or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Staggerwing cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
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?
Beechcraft Staggerwing: from $289,000.
Cessna 172: from $125,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Staggerwing and Cessna 172?
Staggerwing engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 4.
Cruise: 180 vs 122 kts.
Range: 750 vs 640 nm.
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?
Staggerwing: 1 seats / 1,100 lb useful load.
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?
Staggerwing: 1,500-hour TBO.
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