Luscombe Silvaire 8E vs Piper Cherokee 180

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 180
For sale now
77
Median asking
$99,000
Range
$59,146–$145,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
24
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
1962–2025

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Luscombe Silvaire 8E Piper Cherokee 180
Luscombe Silvaire 8E
View 4 listings →
Median $43,000
Piper Cherokee 180
View 84 listings →
Median $99,000
Price Range $38,500 – $47,500 $59,146 – $145,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2 4
Horsepower 85 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 100 kts (185 km/h) 124 kts (230 km/h)
Range 420 nm (778 km) 630 nm (1,167 km)
Service Ceiling 17,000 ft (5,182 m) 14,150 ft (4,313 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg)
Useful Load 550 lbs (249 kg) 1,055 lbs (479 kg)
Fuel Burn 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) 9.5 GPH (36 L/h)
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Luscombe Silvaire 8E or Piper Cherokee 180?

Pick the Silvaire 8E if…

  • Budget matters — from $38,500 vs $59,146, you save ~$20,646.

Pick the Cherokee 180 if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 124 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 630 nm vs 420 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1963 vs 1948.
  • More inventory — 84 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 180?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Silvaire 8E cruises at 100 kts with 420 nm range. The Cherokee 180 cruises at 124 kts with 630 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 180: from $129,000. 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 180?
Seats: 2 vs 4. Cruise: 100 vs 124 kts. Range: 420 vs 630 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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 180: 4 seats / 1,055 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?
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