Cessna 172P vs Piper Saratoga
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172P | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $85,500 – $324,900 | $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 | — | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $110 | $170 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172P
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$110/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$38,000/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 172P or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the 172P if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$110/hr vs $170/hr.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $85,500, you save ~$45,600.
- 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 1977.
- More inventory — 167 listings vs 13.
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 172P or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172P 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 172P: from $195,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172P and Piper Saratoga?
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 122 vs 163 kts.
Range: 640 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172P: about $110/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?
172P: 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?
172P: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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