Cessna 172M vs Grumman AA-5B Tiger
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 172M
No active listings right now.
Grumman AA-5B Tiger
- For sale now
- 21
- Median asking
- $122,350
- Range
- $93,309–$154,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 7
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1974–1979
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 172M — 5 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | Continental O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 108 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | Lycoming O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 105 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | Lycoming O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 89 |
| 172R | 1996–2007 | IO-360-L2A | 2450 | 120 | 520 | 19 |
| 172S | 1998–now | IO-360-L2A | 2550 | 124 | 518 | 40 |
Grumman AA-5B Tiger — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For 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 172M | Grumman AA-5B Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 810 | — |
| Serious | 72 | — |
| Fatal | 128 | — |
| Fatalities | 233 | — |
| % Fatal | 16% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172M | Grumman AA-5B Tiger |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $59,819 – $299,000 | $93,309 – $154,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Cruise Speed | 118–124 kts (230 km/h) | 143 kts (265 km/h) |
| Range | 518–585 nm (1,083 km) | 681 nm (1,261 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 172M or Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The AA-5B Tiger cruises at 143 kts with 681 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172M: from $169,000.
Grumman AA-5B Tiger: from $122,350.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172M and Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
AA-5B Tiger engine: Lycoming O-360-A4K.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
AA-5B Tiger: 4 seats.
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?
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