Cessna R172 Hawk XP vs Piper Cherokee
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna R172 Hawk XP
- For sale now
- 33
- Median asking
- $167,000
- Range
- $101,102–$287,000
- Model years available
- 1965–1980
Piper Cherokee
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
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 R172 Hawk XP | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna R172 Hawk XP | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $101,102 – $287,000 | $59,948 – $277,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 195 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 129 kts (239 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 569 nm (1,054 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,010 lbs (458 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 52.0 gal (197 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.0 GPH (42 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna R172 Hawk XP
Fuel$60/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/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 R172 Hawk XP or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the R172 Hawk XP if…
- Faster cruise — 129 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 569 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1961.
- More inventory — 39 listings vs 27.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $59,948 vs $101,102, you save ~$41,154.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $145/hr.
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 R172 Hawk XP cruises at 129 kts with 569 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 R172 Hawk XP: from $179,900.
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?
R172 Hawk XP engine: CONTINENTAL IO-360-KB (195 hp).
Cruise: 129 vs 117 kts.
Range: 569 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R172 Hawk XP: about $145/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?
R172 Hawk XP: 4 seats / 1,010 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?
R172 Hawk XP: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data