Cessna 152 vs Piper Vagabond
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 63
- Median asking
- $73,700
- Range
- $46,108–$121,659
- Model years available
- 1977–1986
Piper Vagabond
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1948–1948
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 Vagabond |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | — |
| Serious | 130 | — |
| Fatal | 255 | — |
| Fatalities | 386 | — |
| % Fatal | 10% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Piper Vagabond |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $46,108 – $121,659 | $48,225 – $52,275 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 65 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 78 kts (144 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 220 nm (407 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 4.5 GPH (17 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 Vagabond
Fuel$25/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Piper Vagabond?
Pick the 152 if…
- Budget matters — from $46,108 vs $48,225, you save ~$2,117.
- Faster cruise — 100 kts vs 78 kts.
- Longer range — 415 nm vs 220 nm.
- More inventory — 60 listings vs 2.
Pick the Vagabond if…
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 Vagabond?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The Vagabond cruises at 78 kts with 220 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $89,000.
Piper Vagabond: from $48,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Piper Vagabond?
152 engine: LYCOMING O-235 (110 hp).
Cruise: 100 vs 78 kts.
Range: 415 vs 220 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.
Vagabond: 2 seats / 500 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data