Cessna 120 vs Piper Cherokee 140
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 120 | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $18,500 – $39,000 | $20,000 – $150,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 85 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | 400 nm (741 km) | 455 nm (843 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 120
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: Cessna 120 or Piper Cherokee 140?
Pick the 120 if…
- Budget matters — from $18,500 vs $20,000, you save ~$1,500.
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 115 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 455 nm vs 400 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1946.
- More inventory — 106 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 Cherokee 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 120 cruises at 90 kts with 400 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?
Cessna 120: from $39,000.
Piper Cherokee 140: from $59,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 120 and Piper Cherokee 140?
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 115 kts.
Range: 400 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
120: 1 seats / 500 lb useful load.
Cherokee 140: 4 seats.
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.
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