Cessna 172N vs Piper Cherokee 180
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172N | Piper Cherokee 180 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $64,000 – $259,000 | $9,800 – $500,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | — |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172N
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Piper Cherokee 180
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172N or Piper Cherokee 180?
Pick the 172N if…
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1963.
Pick the Cherokee 180 if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $64,000, you save ~$54,200.
- More inventory — 79 listings vs 57.
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 172N or Piper Cherokee 180?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172N cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172N: from $105,000.
Piper Cherokee 180: from $99,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172N and Piper Cherokee 180?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172N: about $130/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?
172N: 4 seats / 878 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?
172N: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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