Cessna 150 vs Piper Cherokee 140
The Piper Cherokee 140 (four-seat low-wing trainer, 140-150 hp, ~108 kt) and Cessna 150 (two-seat fixed-gear trainer, 100 hp, ~90 kt) are different-class aircraft — the Cherokee 140 is a four-seat trainer that can carry a real family load; the 150 is a primary two-seat trainer.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 150
- For sale now
- 136
- Median asking
- $53,250
- Range
- $32,955–$91,808
- Model years available
- 1959–1978
Piper Cherokee 140
- For sale now
- 107
- Median asking
- $72,231
- Range
- $37,103–$122,058
- Model years available
- 1964–1977
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 150 — 1 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 129 |
Piper Cherokee 140 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
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 150 | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3241 | 1 |
| Serious | 351 | 0 |
| Fatal | 427 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 611 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 13% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 150 | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $32,955 – $91,808 | $37,103 – $122,058 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 97 kts (180 km/h) | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | 420 nm (778 km) | 455 nm (843 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 530 lbs (240 kg) | 920 lbs (417 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 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 140
Fuel$50/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 140?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 150/152 for primary training and the cheapest two-seat fun-flyer. Choose the Cherokee 140 for a real four-seat low-wing platform, training utility and the broader mission flexibility — at higher acquisition cost but a much more useful airplane.
Pick the 150 if…
- Budget matters — from $32,955 vs $37,103, you save ~$4,148.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 115 kts vs 97 kts.
- Longer range — 455 nm vs 420 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1959.
- More inventory — 128 listings vs 52.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Piper Cherokee 140 and Cessna 150?
Seats and wing philosophy. The Cessna 150 (Continental O-200-A, 100 hp, high-wing, ~100–107 kt) is the canonical two-seat trainer. The Piper Cherokee 140 (PA-28-140, Lycoming O-320, ~150 hp, low-wing, fixed gear, ~115 kt) seats four nominally — though rear-seat utility is limited by useful load. The 150 is the dedicated two-seat trainer; the Cherokee 140 attempts four-seat utility at an entry price.
Cherokee 140 or Cessna 150 — which entry aircraft?
Buy the Cessna 150 if primary training, two-seat solo flights, and the absolute lowest ownership cost are the goal. Buy the Cherokee 140 if occasional four-seat capability and the low-wing Piper handling tradition are worth the higher acquisition cost. For practical four-person flights, the Cherokee 140's useful load is marginal; as a two-or-three-person aircraft it is capable.
How does the Cherokee 140's four-seat claim hold up?
The Cherokee 140's useful load is limited — four adults with full fuel typically exceeds its payload envelope. It seats four structurally, but real four-person operations require weight discipline. As a practical two-to-three-person aircraft it performs well; as a true four-seater it is marginal.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 150: Continental O-200-A (100 hp), two seats, high-wing, fixed, ~100–107 kt. Piper Cherokee 140: Lycoming O-320 (~150 hp), four seats structural, low-wing, fixed, ~115 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Cessna 150 is significantly less expensive — 100 hp versus 150 hp means lower fuel burn, and lower acquisition cost reduces ownership overhead. The Cherokee 140's additional power and four-seat structure come at a cost premium with limited practical benefit for solo or two-seat operations.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 150 for primary training and budget two-seat personal flying — the canonical first aircraft at the lowest ownership cost. Cherokee 140 for pilots who want a low-wing Piper aircraft with nominal four-seat capability, accepting the acquisition premium and payload limitations.
Which is better, Cessna 150 or Piper Cherokee 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 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 150: from $89,000.
Piper Cherokee 140: from $77,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 150 and Piper Cherokee 140?
150 engine: CONTINENTAL O-200 (100 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 97 vs 115 kts.
Range: 420 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
150: about $100/hr variable cost.
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?
150: 2 seats / 530 lb useful load.
Cherokee 140: 4 seats / 920 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: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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