Mooney M20J vs Piper Arrow
The Mooney M20J 201 (~160 kt) and Piper Arrow (~135-140 kt) are both four-seat retractable singles on similar 200 hp engines — but the Mooney's clean aerodynamics deliver dramatically higher cruise from the same horsepower.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20J | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $59,410 – $266,441 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 161 kts (298 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 820 nm (1,519 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 64.0 gal (242 L) | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney M20J
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/yr
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Mooney M20J or Piper Arrow?
Bottom line: Choose the M20J for true 160-kt cruise — class-leading speed-on-fuel-burn. Choose the Arrow for the docile Piper Cherokee handling, simpler systems and lower acquisition cost — the Arrow is the practical retractable trainer; the M20J is the cross-country machine.
Pick the M20J if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $145/hr.
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 820 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1967.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $44,950 vs $59,410, you save ~$14,460.
- More inventory — 189 listings vs 54.
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 M20J or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The M20J cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney M20J: from $165,000.
Piper Arrow: from $154,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20J and Piper Arrow?
M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Cruise: 161 vs 135 kts.
Range: 820 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M20J: about $140/hr variable cost.
Arrow: about $145/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?
M20J: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load.
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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?
M20J: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
Arrow: 2,000-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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data