Cessna R172 Hawk XP vs Piper Saratoga
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna R172 Hawk XP
- For sale now
- 33
- Median asking
- $167,000
- Range
- $101,102–$287,000
- Model years available
- 1965–1980
Piper Saratoga
- For sale now
- 170
- Median asking
- $226,400
- Range
- $115,250–$495,525
- Model years available
- 1965–2007
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 Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $101,102 – $287,000 | $115,250 – $495,525 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 195 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 129 kts (239 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 569 nm (1,054 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,010 lbs (458 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 52.0 gal (197 L) | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.0 GPH (42 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | $170 |
| 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 Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna R172 Hawk XP or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the R172 Hawk XP if…
- Budget matters — from $101,102 vs $115,250, you save ~$14,148.
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/hr vs $170/hr.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 129 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 569 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1977.
- More inventory — 121 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 Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R172 Hawk XP cruises at 129 kts with 569 nm range.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 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 Saratoga: from $498,500.
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 Saratoga?
R172 Hawk XP engine: CONTINENTAL IO-360-KB (195 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 129 vs 163 kts.
Range: 569 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R172 Hawk XP: about $145/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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.
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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.
Saratoga: 2,000-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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data