Cessna 150 vs Piper Cherokee
The Cessna 150 and Piper Cherokee differ in both size and configuration. The two-seat, high-wing 150 is a light, economical trainer ideal for primary instruction, while the four-seat, low-wing Cherokee adds seats, payload, and a sporty feel. This is the compact trainer versus four-seat family aircraft comparison.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 150 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,000 – $129,900 | $9,800 – $699,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 97 kts (180 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 420 nm (778 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 530 lbs (240 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 150
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 150 or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the 150 for the lowest running costs and a perfect first airplane; pick the Cherokee for four seats, the low-wing layout, and genuine cross-country capability. Both are simple and well supported, so mission, budget, and condition typically decide which suits you best.
Pick the 150 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $25,000, you save ~$15,200.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 97 kts.
- Longer range — 525 nm vs 420 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1959.
- More inventory — 633 listings vs 130.
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 150 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 150 and Piper Cherokee?
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 97 vs 117 kts.
Range: 420 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
150: about $100/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: 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?
150: 2 seats / 530 lb useful load.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
150: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
Cherokee: 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