Cessna 172 vs Piper Saratoga
The Cessna 172 (four-seat fixed-gear trainer, ~115 kt) and Piper Saratoga (six-seat retractable/fixed-gear cross-country, ~150-165 kt) are very different aircraft — different cabin size, different mission, different cost class.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $39,900 – $745,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $170 |
| 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 Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Piper Saratoga?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for primary training and the cheapest four-seat ownership. Step up to the Saratoga for six seats, ~40+ kt more cruise and the family/touring six-seat mission.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $10,000 vs $39,900, you save ~$29,900.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $170/hr.
- More inventory — 403 listings vs 163.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 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 Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Piper Saratoga: from $494,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Piper Saratoga?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 122 vs 163 kts.
Range: 640 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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.
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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.
Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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