Cessna A185F vs Piper Cherokee
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna A185F | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $190,000 – $899,500 | $9,800 – $699,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 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 Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna A185F or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the A185F if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1973 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $190,000, you save ~$180,200.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $175/hr.
- More inventory — 633 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 Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna A185F: from $325,000.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna A185F and Piper Cherokee?
A185F engine: Continental IO-520-D (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 117 kts.
Range: 720 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
A185F: about $175/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: about $120/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.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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.
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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