Commander 114B vs Cessna 172

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Commander 114B Cessna 172
Commander 114B
View 4 listings →
Median $224,000
Cessna 172
View 424 listings →
Median $131,964
Price Range $195,000 – $242,365 $27,900 – $589,500
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Horsepower 180 HP
Cruise Speed 122 kts (226 km/h)
Range 640 nm (1,185 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg)
Useful Load 878 lbs (398 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) 8.6 GPH (33 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000 $30,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $18,000
Hourly Variable $150 $130
Engines 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Commander 114B

Fuel$77/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $48,000/yr

Cessna 172

Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Commander 114B or Cessna 172?

Pick the 114B if…

  • Newer design — production from 1965 vs 1956.

Pick the 172 if…

  • Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $195,000, you save ~$167,100.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $150/hr.
  • More inventory — 424 listings vs 4.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Commander 114B or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Commander 114B: from $219,000. Cessna 172: from $125,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Commander 114B and Cessna 172?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
114B: about $150/hr variable cost. 172: about $130/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?
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
114B: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 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