Luscombe Silvaire 8E vs Piper Cherokee 140

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Luscombe Silvaire 8E
For sale now
4
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1946–1947
Piper Cherokee 140
For sale now
107
Median asking
$72,231
Range
$37,103–$122,058
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
1964–1977

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)Luscombe Silvaire 8EPiper Cherokee 140
All events1
Serious0
Fatal0
Fatalities0
% Fatal0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Luscombe Silvaire 8E Piper Cherokee 140
Luscombe Silvaire 8E
View 4 listings →
Median $43,000
Piper Cherokee 140
View 118 listings →
Median $72,231
Price Range $38,500 – $47,500 $37,103 – $122,058
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2 4
Horsepower 85 HP 150 HP
Cruise Speed 100 kts (185 km/h) 115 kts (213 km/h)
Range 420 nm (778 km) 455 nm (843 km)
Service Ceiling 17,000 ft (5,182 m) 14,350 ft (4,374 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,150 lbs (975 kg)
Useful Load 550 lbs (249 kg) 920 lbs (417 kg)
Fuel Capacity 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) 9.0 GPH (34 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $28,000
Annual Fixed $16,000
Hourly Variable $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Luscombe Silvaire 8E

Fuel$28/hr

Piper Cherokee 140

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Luscombe Silvaire 8E or Piper Cherokee 140?

Pick the Silvaire 8E if…

Pick the Cherokee 140 if…

  • Budget matters — from $37,103 vs $38,500, you save ~$1,397.
  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 115 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 455 nm vs 420 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1948.
  • More inventory — 118 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, Luscombe Silvaire 8E or Piper Cherokee 140?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Silvaire 8E cruises at 100 kts with 420 nm range. The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Luscombe Silvaire 8E: from $48,000. Piper Cherokee 140: from $77,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Luscombe Silvaire 8E and Piper Cherokee 140?
Seats: 2 vs 4. Cruise: 100 vs 115 kts. Range: 420 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee 140: about $120/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?
Silvaire 8E: 2 seats / 550 lb useful load. Cherokee 140: 4 seats / 920 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?
Cherokee 140: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000. 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