Cessna A185F vs Piper Archer
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna A185F
- For sale now
- 27
- Median asking
- $305,000
- Range
- $195,225–$448,725
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 14
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1973–1985
Piper Archer
- For sale now
- 89
- Median asking
- $149,000
- Range
- $71,000–$491,439
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 26
- Source marketplaces
- 13
- 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 A185F | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 308 | — |
| Serious | 13 | — |
| Fatal | 45 | — |
| Fatalities | 82 | — |
| % Fatal | 15% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna A185F | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $195,225 – $448,725 | $71,000 – $491,439 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 703 nm (1,302 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) | 14,100 ft (4,298 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna A185F
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Piper Archer
Fuel$58/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna A185F or Piper Archer?
Pick the A185F if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 703 nm.
Pick the Archer if…
- Budget matters — from $71,000 vs $195,225, you save ~$124,225.
- More inventory — 104 listings vs 28.
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 A185F or Piper Archer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 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 A185F: from $375,000.
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 A185F and Piper Archer?
A185F engine: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 124 kts.
Range: 720 vs 703 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
A185F: about $175/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?
A185F: 6 seats / 1,440 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?
A185F: 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