Cessna 172 vs Grumman AA-5B Tiger
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk and the Grumman Tiger (AA-5B) are two four-seat singles with different personalities — the ubiquitous high-wing 172 and the sporty, low-wing Tiger. The 172 is the most-produced aircraft ever with unmatched support; the Tiger is faster on similar power, with a sliding canopy and a spirited feel. Where each trades now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 421
- Median asking
- $134,231
- Range
- $61,563–$324,965
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
- For sale now
- 21
- Median asking
- $122,350
- Range
- $93,309–$154,000
- Model years available
- 1974–1979
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 172 — 3 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 137 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 128 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 103 |
Grumman AA-5B Tiger — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
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 172 | Grumman AA-5B Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6810 | — |
| Serious | 542 | — |
| Fatal | 960 | — |
| Fatalities | 1802 | — |
| % Fatal | 14% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Grumman AA-5B Tiger |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $61,563 – $324,965 | $93,309 – $154,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145–160 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 118–122 kts (226 km/h) | 143 kts (265 km/h) |
| Range | 520–585 nm (1,083 km) | 681 nm (1,261 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 13,800 ft (4,206 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Grumman AA-5B Tiger
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 Skyhawk for the safe, supported standard — high-wing visibility, parts and instructors everywhere and the simplest ownership in aviation. Choose the Tiger for sporty fun — a slippery low-wing four-seater that's quicker than a 172 on similar power, with a sliding canopy and a loyal following. On safety both are benign, proven four-seaters with strong records; the choice is feel and support, not safety. Ubiquitous standard, or sporty Tiger.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $93,309, you save ~$31,746.
- More inventory — 163 listings vs 21.
Pick the AA-5B Tiger if…
- Faster cruise — 143 kts vs 118 kts.
- Longer range — 681 nm vs 518 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1975 vs 1956.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.