Cessna 172 vs Piper Warrior vs Cessna 152
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Piper Warrior | Cessna 152 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $27,900 – $589,500 | $44,500 – $385,000 | $38,000 – $125,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 4 | — | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | — | 110 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | — | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | — | 415 nm (769 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | — | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | — | 528 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | — | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — | $22,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | — | $100 |
| 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 Warrior
Cessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy?
Pick the 172 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $27,900
- Most seats — 4
- Fastest cruise — 122 kts
- Longest range — 640 nm
- Most listings for sale — 424
Pick the Warrior if…
The balanced middle choice — no single category standout, but competitive on price, capability and running costs.
Pick the 152 if…
- Lowest operating cost — about $100/hr
- Newest design — built from 1977
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, Piper Warrior or Cessna 152?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $125,000.
Piper Warrior: from $94,246.
Cessna 152: from $74,950.
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