Cessna A185F vs Piper Cherokee 140
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 Cherokee 140
- For sale now
- 107
- Median asking
- $72,231
- Range
- $37,103–$122,058
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 15
- Source marketplaces
- 12
- Model years available
- 1964–1977
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 Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 308 | 1 |
| Serious | 13 | 0 |
| Fatal | 45 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 82 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 15% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna A185F | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $195,225 – $448,725 | $37,103 – $122,058 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 455 nm (843 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 920 lbs (417 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 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 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 Cherokee 140
Fuel$50/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 140?
Pick the A185F if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 455 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1973 vs 1964.
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $37,103 vs $195,225, you save ~$158,122.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $175/hr.
- More inventory — 125 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 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna A185F: from $375,000.
Piper Cherokee 140: from $77,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna A185F and Piper Cherokee 140?
A185F engine: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 115 kts.
Range: 720 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
A185F: about $175/hr variable cost.
Cherokee 140: 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 140: 4 seats / 920 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 140: 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