Mooney M20C vs Piper Cherokee
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20C | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,900 – $139,500 | $9,800 – $9,950,010 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | — | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $14,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney M20C
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$14,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$34,000/yr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Mooney M20C or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the M20C if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1962 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $39,900, you save ~$30,100.
- More inventory — 645 listings vs 29.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Mooney M20C or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney M20C: from $72,500.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20C and Piper Cherokee?
M20C engine: Lycoming O-360.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M20C: about $100/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: 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?
M20C: 4 seats.
Cherokee: 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?
M20C: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
Cherokee: 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