Cessna 170B vs Piper Arrow
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 170B | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $84,900 – $359,000 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 500 nm (926 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $14,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x 4-Cycle | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 170B
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$14,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$34,000/yr
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 170B or Piper Arrow?
Pick the 170B if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $145/hr.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $44,950 vs $84,900, you save ~$39,950.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 105 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 500 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1952.
- More inventory — 195 listings vs 9.
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 170B or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 170B cruises at 105 kts with 500 nm range.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 170B: from $359,000.
Piper Arrow: from $79,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 170B and Piper Arrow?
170B engine: Continental C145-3 (145 hp).
Cruise: 105 vs 135 kts.
Range: 500 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
170B: about $100/hr variable cost.
Arrow: about $145/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?
170B: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load.
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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?
170B: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
Arrow: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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