Mooney 231 vs Piper Comanche
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Mooney 231
- For sale now
- 44
- Median asking
- $165,000
- Range
- $91,226–$239,075
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 15
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 1979–1997
Piper Comanche
- For sale now
- 57
- Median asking
- $115,000
- Range
- $71,900–$174,495
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 18
- Source marketplaces
- 8
- Model years available
- 1958–1992
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) | Mooney 231 | Piper Comanche |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 0 | — |
| Fatalities | 0 | — |
| % Fatal | 0% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Mooney 231 | Piper Comanche |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $91,226 – $239,075 | $71,900 – $174,495 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | 210 HP | 250 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 191 kts (354 km/h) | 157 kts (291 km/h) |
| Range | 981 nm (1,817 km) | 956 nm (1,771 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.3 GPH (50 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Mooney 231 or Piper Comanche?
Pick the 231 if…
- Faster cruise — 191 kts vs 157 kts.
- Longer range — 981 nm vs 956 nm.
Pick the Comanche if…
- Budget matters — from $71,900 vs $91,226, you save ~$19,326.
- More inventory — 66 listings vs 1.
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 231 or Piper Comanche?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 231 cruises at 191 kts with 981 nm range.
The Comanche cruises at 157 kts with 956 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney 231: from $140,000.
Piper Comanche: from $124,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney 231 and Piper Comanche?
231 engine: Continental TSIO-360-GB;TSIO-360-LB (210 hp).
Cruise: 191 vs 157 kts.
Range: 981 vs 956 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?
Comanche: 4 seats / 1,200 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