Cessna 172 vs Grumman AA-5 Cheetah
The Grumman AA-5A Cheetah and Cessna 172 are four-seat fixed-gear singles of similar power — the Cheetah is the sleeker low-wing with a sliding canopy and slightly higher cruise; the 172 is the certified high-wing standard.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 172
- For sale now
- 421
- Median asking
- $134,231
- Range
- $61,563–$324,965
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Grumman AA-5 Cheetah
No active listings right now.
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 172 — 3 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 138 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 128 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 103 |
Grumman AA-5 Cheetah — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
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 172 | Grumman AA-5 Cheetah |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6810 | — |
| Serious | 542 | — |
| Fatal | 960 | — |
| Fatalities | 1802 | — |
| % Fatal | 14% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Grumman AA-5 Cheetah |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $61,563 – $324,965 | $72,000 – $88,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145–160 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 118–122 kts (226 km/h) | 128 kts (237 km/h) |
| Range | 520–585 nm (1,083 km) | 657 nm (1,217 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 13,800 ft (4,206 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Grumman AA-5 Cheetah
Fuel$47/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Grumman AA-5 Cheetah?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for support, high-wing practicality and trainer ubiquity. Choose the Cheetah for sleeker low-wing looks, a sliding canopy and slightly better cruise on similar power — when the smaller support fleet is acceptable.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $72,000, you save ~$10,437.
- More inventory — 164 listings vs 2.
Pick the AA-5 Cheetah if…
- Faster cruise — 128 kts vs 118 kts.
- Longer range — 657 nm vs 518 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 172 and Grumman AA-5 Cheetah?
Airframe construction and handling. The Cessna 172 is the riveted-aluminium high-wing training standard. The Grumman AA-5 Cheetah (Lycoming O-360-A4K, 150 hp, 4 seats, bonded-aluminium low-wing, fixed gear, ~130–135 kt) uses a bonded (rather than riveted) aluminium construction — lighter, smoother, with a more responsive handling character. The Cheetah is faster than the 172; the 172 has a vastly larger support network.
172 or Grumman Cheetah — which four-seater?
Buy the 172 if: the world's most supported four-seat aircraft is the priority — universal A&P familiarity, parts availability, and the flight-school network are decisive. Buy the Grumman Cheetah if: responsive handling, bonded construction, and a distinctive alternative to the 172/Cherokee family appeal — accepting a smaller support community.
What is bonded aluminium construction and why does it matter?
Grumman's bonding process joins aluminium with structural adhesive rather than rivets — producing a lighter, smoother airframe. It requires different inspection techniques than riveted aluminium, so a mechanic familiar with bonded structure is preferred. The Cheetah's handling is often described as crisper and more responsive than the 172's.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 172S: IO-360-L2A (180 hp), 4 seats, high-wing riveted aluminium, ~122 kt. Grumman AA-5A Cheetah: O-360-A4K (150 hp), 4 seats, low-wing bonded aluminium, ~130–135 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 172's massive parts network keeps maintenance costs lower and more predictable. The Cheetah's smaller fleet means some parts require sourcing through specialist channels. Fuel burn is broadly comparable. For total cost of ownership, the 172 wins.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 172 for training, rental capability, and universally supported four-seat flying. Grumman AA-5 Cheetah for the pilot who wants a responsive, distinctive four-seater and accepts a smaller support community.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Grumman AA-5 Cheetah?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range.
The AA-5 Cheetah cruises at 128 kts with 657 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900.
Grumman AA-5 Cheetah: from $88,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Grumman AA-5 Cheetah?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp).
Cruise: 118 vs 128 kts.
Range: 518 vs 657 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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.
AA-5 Cheetah: 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?
172: 1,400-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data