Cessna R172 Hawk XP vs Piper Cherokee 180
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
- 36
- Median asking
- $149,975
- Range
- $121,250–$285,000
- Model years available
- 1969–1981
Piper Cherokee 180
- For sale now
- 90
- Median asking
- $94,900
- Range
- $55,144–$148,400
- Model years available
- 1962–2025
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna R172 Hawk XP | Piper Cherokee 180 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $121,250 – $285,000 | $55,144 – $148,400 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 195 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 129 kts (239 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 569 nm (1,054 km) | 630 nm (1,167 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) | 14,150 ft (4,313 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,010 lbs (458 kg) | 1,055 lbs (479 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 52.0 gal (197 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 11.0 GPH (42 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | — |
| 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 180
Fuel$52/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna R172 Hawk XP or Piper Cherokee 180?
Pick the R172 Hawk XP if…
- Faster cruise — 129 kts vs 124 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1963.
Pick the Cherokee 180 if…
- Budget matters — from $55,144 vs $121,250, you save ~$66,106.
- Longer range — 630 nm vs 569 nm.
- More inventory — 92 listings vs 39.
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 180?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R172 Hawk XP cruises at 129 kts with 569 nm range.
The Cherokee 180 cruises at 124 kts with 630 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna R172 Hawk XP: from $112,627.
Piper Cherokee 180: from $139,000.
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 180?
R172 Hawk XP engine: CONTINENTAL IO-360-KB (195 hp).
Cruise: 129 vs 124 kts.
Range: 569 vs 630 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R172 Hawk XP: about $145/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 180: 4 seats / 1,055 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.
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