Cessna 172 vs Piper Cherokee
The Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee PA-28 (140/160/180/Archer/Warrior) are the two most-built four-seat trainers in aviation history — direct competitors with very different design philosophies. The 172 is high-wing fixed-gear; the Cherokee is low-wing fixed-gear; both are fixed-pitch- or constant-speed-prop, both extraordinarily docile.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $9,800 – $554,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 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 Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Piper Cherokee
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for high-wing visibility (better for sightseeing/photography), the most forgiving four-seat trainer ever built and the very largest support network. Choose the Cherokee/Archer for low-wing handling, slightly faster cruise (Archer ~125 kt vs 172 ~115 kt), the Piper-cabin feel and typically lower acquisition cost on the used market.
Pick the 172 if…
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 525 nm.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $10,000, you save ~$200.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $130/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1956.
- More inventory — 612 listings vs 403.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.