Cessna 120 vs Piper Arrow
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 120 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $18,500 – $39,000 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 85 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 400 nm (741 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 120
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 120 or Piper Arrow?
Pick the 120 if…
- Budget matters — from $18,500 vs $44,950, you save ~$26,450.
Pick the Arrow if…
- More seats — 4 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 400 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1946.
- More inventory — 189 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 120 or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 120 cruises at 90 kts with 400 nm range.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 120: from $39,000.
Piper Arrow: from $154,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 120 and Piper Arrow?
120 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 4.
Cruise: 90 vs 135 kts.
Range: 400 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/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?
120: 1 seats / 500 lb useful load.
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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?
120: 1,800-hour TBO.
Arrow: 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