Cessna 172 vs Piper Arrow
The Cessna 172 (fixed-gear, ~115-120 kt) and Piper Arrow PA-28R (retractable, ~135-140 kt) are different-generation four-seaters — the 172 is fixed-gear and forgiving; the Arrow is the retractable complex-rating trainer.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/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 172 or Piper Arrow?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for fixed-gear simplicity, the largest support network and primary training. Choose the Arrow for complex-rating utility, ~15-20 kt more cruise and retractable-gear training — accepting higher acquisition cost and retractable maintenance.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $10,000 vs $44,950, you save ~$34,950.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $145/hr.
- More inventory — 402 listings vs 185.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1956.
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 172 or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 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 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Piper Arrow?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 122 vs 135 kts.
Range: 640 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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?
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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