Cessna U206G vs Piper Archer
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna U206G
- For sale now
- 9
- Model years available
- 1979–1986
Piper Archer
- For sale now
- 89
- Median asking
- $149,000
- Range
- $71,000–$491,439
- Model years available
- 1965–2026
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 U206G | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 119 | — |
| Serious | 16 | — |
| Fatal | 37 | — |
| Fatalities | 106 | — |
| % Fatal | 31% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna U206G | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $260,125 – $572,925 | $71,000 – $491,439 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 142 kts (263 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 840 nm (1,556 km) | 703 nm (1,302 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) | 14,100 ft (4,298 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 80.0 gal (303 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna U206G
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Piper Archer
Fuel$58/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna U206G or Piper Archer?
Pick the U206G if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 142 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 703 nm.
Pick the Archer if…
- Budget matters — from $71,000 vs $260,125, you save ~$189,125.
- More inventory — 103 listings vs 11.
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 U206G or Piper Archer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The U206G cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range.
The Archer cruises at 124 kts with 703 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna U206G: from $360,000.
Piper Archer: from $129,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna U206G and Piper Archer?
U206G engine: CONTINENTAL IO-520-A (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 142 vs 124 kts.
Range: 840 vs 703 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
U206G: about $160/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?
U206G: 6 seats / 1,400 lb useful load.
Archer: 4 seats / 900 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?
U206G: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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