Cessna 195 vs Piper Archer
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 195
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $137,000
- Range
- $61,705–$225,157
- Model years available
- 1940–1952
Piper Archer
- For sale now
- 89
- Median asking
- $149,000
- Range
- $71,000–$491,439
- Model years available
- 1965–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 195 | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 175 | — |
| Serious | 7 | — |
| Fatal | 16 | — |
| Fatalities | 30 | — |
| % Fatal | 9% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 195 | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $61,705 – $225,157 | $71,000 – $491,439 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 150 kts (278 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 703 nm (1,302 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 14,100 ft (4,298 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 53.0 gal (201 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 195
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Piper Archer
Fuel$58/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 195 or Piper Archer?
Pick the 195 if…
- Budget matters — from $61,705 vs $71,000, you save ~$9,295.
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 150 kts vs 124 kts.
Pick the Archer if…
- Longer range — 703 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 105 listings vs 3.
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 195 or Piper Archer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 195 cruises at 150 kts with 600 nm range.
The Archer cruises at 124 kts with 703 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 195: from $275,000.
Piper Archer: from $129,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 195 and Piper Archer?
195 engine: JACOBS R-755A2 (300 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 4.
Cruise: 150 vs 124 kts.
Range: 600 vs 703 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
195: about $180/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?
195: 5 seats / 1,200 lb useful load.
Archer: 4 seats / 900 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?
195: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data