Cessna 120 vs Piper Colt
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 120
- For sale now
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1948
Piper Colt
- For sale now
- 5
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1961–1966
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 120 | Piper Colt |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 163 | — |
| Serious | 15 | — |
| Fatal | 12 | — |
| Fatalities | 19 | — |
| % Fatal | 7% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 120 | Piper Colt |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $20,900 – $43,053 | $18,035 – $29,285 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | — |
| Horsepower | 85 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 94 kts (174 km/h) |
| Range | 400 nm (741 km) | 600 nm (1,111 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 120 or Piper Colt?
Pick the 120 if…
Pick the Colt if…
- Budget matters — from $18,035 vs $20,900, you save ~$2,865.
- Faster cruise — 94 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 600 nm vs 400 nm.
- More inventory — 5 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, Cessna 120 or Piper Colt?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 120 cruises at 90 kts with 400 nm range.
The Colt cruises at 94 kts with 600 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 120: from $34,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 120 and Piper Colt?
120 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
Cruise: 90 vs 94 kts.
Range: 400 vs 600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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.
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.
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