Mooney M20C vs Piper Cherokee 140
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20C | Piper Cherokee 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,900 – $139,500 | $20,000 – $150,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | — | 455 nm (843 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 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 140
Fuel$50/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 140?
Pick the M20C if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,000 vs $39,900, you save ~$19,900.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1962.
- More inventory — 107 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 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
Mooney M20C: from $72,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20C and Piper Cherokee 140?
M20C engine: Lycoming O-360.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M20C: about $100/hr variable cost.
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?
M20C: 4 seats.
Cherokee 140: 4 seats.
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 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