Cessna 152 vs Piper Cherokee
The Cessna 152 and Piper Cherokee differ in size and wing layout. The two-seat, high-wing 152 is an economical primary trainer with great visibility, while the four-seat, low-wing Cherokee offers more payload, room, and a sporty feel. This is the two-seat trainer versus four-seat family aircraft debate.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,000 – $125,000 | $9,800 – $699,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/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 152 or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the 152 for low operating costs and an easy, forgiving platform for learning; pick the Cherokee for four seats, the low-wing layout, and real travel capability. Both are simple and well supported, so mission, budget, and condition typically decide which is the better fit.
Pick the 152 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1961.
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 100 kts.
- Longer range — 525 nm vs 415 nm.
- More inventory — 631 listings vs 58.
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 152 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 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?
Cessna 152: from $25,000.
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 152 and Piper Cherokee?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 100 vs 117 kts.
Range: 415 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: 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?
152: 2 seats / 528 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?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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