Cessna 175 vs Piper Malibu
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 175 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $20,851 – $389,500 | $221,331 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 175 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 500 nm (926 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $110 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 175
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$110/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$37,000/yr
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 175 or Piper Malibu?
Pick the 175 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,851 vs $221,331, you save ~$200,480.
- Lower operating cost — ~$110/hr vs $190/hr.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 125 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 500 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1958.
- More inventory — 293 listings vs 11.
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 175 or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 175 cruises at 125 kts with 500 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 175: from $68,000.
Piper Malibu: from $630,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 175 and Piper Malibu?
175 engine: Continental GO-300A;GO-300C (175 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 125 vs 198 kts.
Range: 500 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
175: about $110/hr variable cost.
Malibu: about $190/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?
175: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load.
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
175: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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