Cessna 150L vs Piper Cherokee
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 150L | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $32,000 – $119,928 | $9,800 – $9,950,010 |
| 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 | — | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 530 lbs (240 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 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 Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 150L
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 150L or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the 150L if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1970 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $32,000, you save ~$22,200.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 97 kts.
- Longer range — 525 nm vs 420 nm.
- More inventory — 628 listings vs 24.
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 150L or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 150L 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 150L and Piper Cherokee?
150L 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?
150L: 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?
150L: 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?
150L: 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