Cessna O-2A vs Piper Cherokee 140
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna O-2A
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1968–1968
Piper Cherokee 140
- For sale now
- 107
- Median asking
- $72,231
- Range
- $37,103–$122,058
- 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 O-2A | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 0 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna O-2A | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $37,103 – $122,058 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 210 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 144 kts (267 km/h) | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 455 nm (843 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,400 lbs (2,449 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 920 lbs (417 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 80.0 gal (303 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $260 | $120 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna O-2A
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$260/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$77,000/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 O-2A or Piper Cherokee 140?
Pick the O-2A if…
- Faster cruise — 144 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 800 nm vs 455 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1964.
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $260/hr.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- More inventory — 125 listings vs 1.
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 O-2A or Piper Cherokee 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The O-2A cruises at 144 kts with 800 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?
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 O-2A and Piper Cherokee 140?
O-2A engine: CONTINENTAL IO-360C;IO-360D (210 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 144 vs 115 kts.
Range: 800 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
O-2A: about $260/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?
O-2A: 2 seats / 1,400 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?
O-2A: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data