Cessna 172 vs Piper Cherokee vs Diamond DA40

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Piper Cherokee and Diamond DA40 Star are the three most common four-seat trainers — high-wing Cessna, low-wing Piper and modern composite Diamond. The 172 is the ubiquitous standard, the Cherokee the planted low-wing PA-28, and the DA40 the newer composite with an exceptional safety record. Three routes to the same four-seat mission. Current prices and counts for each are below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 172
For sale now
421
Median asking
$134,231
Range
$61,563–$324,965
Model years available
1956–2026
Piper Cherokee
For sale now
602
Median asking
$116,400
Range
$59,948–$277,250
Model years available
1961–2026
Diamond DA40
For sale now
85
Median asking
$424,858
Range
$184,562–$670,700
Model years available
2000–2026

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

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor 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

Piper Cherokee — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Diamond DA40 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor 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 172Piper CherokeeDiamond DA40
All events6810110
Serious54200
Fatal96003
Fatalities180205
% Fatal14%0%30%
View full Cessna 172 NTSB record →View full Piper Cherokee NTSB record →View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 172 Piper Cherokee Diamond DA40
Cessna 172
View 163 listings →
Median $134,231
 Piper Cherokee
View 27 listings →
Median $116,400
 Diamond DA40
View 88 listings →
Median $424,858
Price Range $61,563 – $324,965 $59,948 – $277,250 $184,562 – $670,700
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4 4
Horsepower 145–160 HP 150 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 118–122 kts (226 km/h) 117 kts (217 km/h) 135 kts (250 km/h)
Range 520–585 nm (1,083 km) 525 nm (972 km) 635 nm (1,176 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,300 ft (4,359 m) 16,400 ft (4,999 m)
Max Gross Weight 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 2,150 lbs (975 kg) 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg)
Useful Load 878 lbs (398 kg) 850 lbs (386 kg) 780 lbs (354 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 50.0 gal (189 L) 40.0 gal (151 L)
Fuel Burn 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) 9.5 GPH (36 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000 $28,000 $25,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $16,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $130 $120 $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 172

Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Piper Cherokee

Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Diamond DA40

Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy?

Bottom line: Choose the 172 Skyhawk for the safe default — the most-supported airplane anywhere, high-wing visibility and easy ownership. Choose the Cherokee for the low-wing feel — a stable, planted ride and a big Piper following. Choose the DA40 Star for the modern choice — a composite airframe, great visibility and one of the lowest fatal-accident rates in general aviation. On safety all three are exceptionally benign trainers; the DA40's record stands out, while the choice between the others is wing layout and feel, not safety. High-wing classic, low-wing Piper, or modern composite.

Pick the 172 if…

  • Most listings for sale — 163

Pick the Cherokee if…

  • Lowest entry price — from $59,948

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Fastest cruise — 135 kts
  • Longest range — 635 nm
  • Newest design — built from 2000

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee and Diamond DA40?
Mainly design — the 172 is high-wing, the Cherokee low-wing, the DA40 a modern composite. All are four-seat trainers with comparable performance; they differ in feel, visibility and materials.
Which is the safest?
All have strong records; the DA40 is noted for one of the lowest fatal-accident rates in GA. The 172 and Cherokee are also exceptionally benign — proper training matters most.
Which is cheapest to own?
The 172 and Cherokee usually have the deepest used markets and parts support; the composite DA40 is newer and can cost more. Condition and engine time matter most.
Which is better, Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range. The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900. Piper Cherokee: from $115,000. Diamond DA40: from $382,026. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
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