Cessna 170 vs Piper Cherokee 140
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 170 | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $33,269 – $359,000 | $20,000 – $150,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | 500 nm (926 km) | 455 nm (843 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 170
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/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 170 or Piper Cherokee 140?
Pick the 170 if…
- Longer range — 500 nm vs 455 nm.
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,000 vs $33,269, you save ~$13,269.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $130/hr.
- Faster cruise — 115 kts vs 105 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1948.
- More inventory — 106 listings vs 17.
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 170 or Piper Cherokee 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 170 cruises at 105 kts with 500 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 170: from $159,000.
Piper Cherokee 140: from $59,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 170 and Piper Cherokee 140?
170 engine: Continental C145-2 (145 hp).
Cruise: 105 vs 115 kts.
Range: 500 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
170: about $130/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?
170: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load.
Cherokee 140: 4 seats.
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?
170: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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