Cessna R172 Hawk XP vs Piper Cherokee

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna R172 Hawk XP Piper Cherokee
Cessna R172 Hawk XP
View 33 listings →
Median $159,000
Piper Cherokee
View 631 listings →
Median $112,000
Price Range $93,075 – $309,900 $9,800 – $699,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Horsepower 150 HP
Cruise Speed 117 kts (217 km/h)
Range 525 nm (972 km)
Service Ceiling 14,300 ft (4,359 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,150 lbs (975 kg)
Useful Load 850 lbs (386 kg)
Fuel Capacity 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 8.0 GPH (30 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $28,000
Annual Fixed $16,000
Hourly Variable $120
Engines 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna R172 Hawk XP

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 R172 Hawk XP or Piper Cherokee?

Pick the R172 Hawk XP if…

Pick the Cherokee if…

  • Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $93,075, you save ~$83,275.
  • More inventory — 631 listings vs 33.

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 R172 Hawk XP or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget. 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?
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 R172 Hawk XP and Piper Cherokee?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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