Cessna P206 vs Piper Cherokee
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna P206 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $305,000 | $9,800 – $9,950,010 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 142 kts (263 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 840 nm (1,556 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 | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna P206
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/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 P206 or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the P206 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 142 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1965 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $189,000, you save ~$179,200.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $160/hr.
- More inventory — 635 listings vs 4.
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 P206 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The P206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 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 P206: from $240,000.
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 P206 and Piper Cherokee?
P206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 142 vs 117 kts.
Range: 840 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
P206: about $160/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?
P206: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
P206: 1,800-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