Cessna 140 vs Piper Cherokee 180

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 140 Piper Cherokee 180
Cessna 140
View 11 listings →
Median $36,750
Piper Cherokee 180
View 79 listings →
Median $99,000
Price Range $18,500 – $69,500 $9,800 – $9,950,010
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2
Horsepower 85 HP
Cruise Speed 90 kts (167 km/h)
Range 420 nm (778 km)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg)
Useful Load 500 lbs (227 kg)
Fuel Burn 5.0 GPH (19 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $18,000
Annual Fixed $10,000
Hourly Variable $80
Engines 1 x 4-Cycle

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 140

Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $26,000/yr

Piper Cherokee 180

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 140 or Piper Cherokee 180?

Pick the 140 if…

Pick the Cherokee 180 if…

  • Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $18,500, you save ~$8,700.
  • Newer design — production from 1963 vs 1946.
  • More inventory — 79 listings vs 11.

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 140 or Piper Cherokee 180?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 140 cruises at 90 kts with 420 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 140: from $28,000. Piper Cherokee 180: from $109,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 140 and Piper Cherokee 180?
140 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
140: about $80/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?
140: 2 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?
140: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000. 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