Cessna 152 vs Piper Tri-Pacer
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 59
- Median asking
- $70,000
- Range
- $45,545–$117,000
- Model years available
- 1977–1983
Piper Tri-Pacer
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $47,450
- Range
- $19,875–$85,000
- Model years available
- 1950–2019
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 152 | Piper Tri-Pacer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | — |
| Serious | 130 | — |
| Fatal | 255 | — |
| Fatalities | 386 | — |
| % Fatal | 10% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Piper Tri-Pacer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,545 – $117,000 | $19,875 – $85,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 500 nm (926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | — |
| 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 Tri-Pacer
Fuel$47/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Piper Tri-Pacer?
Pick the 152 if…
- More inventory — 60 listings vs 14.
Pick the Tri-Pacer if…
- Budget matters — from $19,875 vs $45,545, you save ~$25,670.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 115 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 500 nm vs 415 nm.
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 Tri-Pacer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The Tri-Pacer cruises at 115 kts with 500 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $89,000.
Piper Tri-Pacer: from $89,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Piper Tri-Pacer?
152 engine: LYCOMING O-235 (110 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 100 vs 115 kts.
Range: 415 vs 500 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: about $100/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.
Tri-Pacer: 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.
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