Cessna 172 vs Piper Archer

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Piper Archer and Diamond DA40 Star are flight-school staples — high-wing Cessna, low-wing Piper Archer (the 180-hp PA-28) and modern composite Diamond. The 172 is the standard, the Archer the planted low-wing, and the DA40 the efficient composite. Three four-seaters that have trained generations. Current prices and counts for each are below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Cessna 172
For sale now
421
Median asking
$134,231
Range
$61,563–$324,965
Model years available
1956–2026
Piper Archer
For sale now
89
Median asking
$149,000
Range
$71,000–$491,439
Model years available
1965–2026

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

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 172 — 3 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
172 Continental 1956–1967 O-300 2300 118 520 137
172 O-320 150hp 1968–1976 O-320-E2D 2300 120 585 130
172 O-320 160hp 1977–1986 O-320-H2AD/D2J 2400 122 585 103

Piper Archer — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

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)Cessna 172Piper Archer
All events6810—
Serious542—
Fatal960—
Fatalities1802—
% Fatal14%—
View full Cessna 172 NTSB record →View full Piper Archer NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 172 Piper Archer
Cessna 172
View 162 listings →
Median $134,231
 Piper Archer
View 102 listings →
Median $149,000
Price Range $61,563 – $324,965 $71,000 – $491,439
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 145–160 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 118–122 kts (226 km/h) 124 kts (230 km/h)
Range 520–585 nm (1,083 km) 703 nm (1,302 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,100 ft (4,298 m)
Max Gross Weight 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg)
Useful Load 878 lbs (398 kg) 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) —
Fuel Burn 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) 10.5 GPH (40 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $30,000 —
Annual Fixed $18,000 —
Hourly Variable $130 —
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 172

Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Piper Archer

Fuel$58/hr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Piper Archer?

Bottom line: Choose the 172 Skyhawk for the easiest, best-supported default. Choose the Archer for the low-wing feel with a bit more power than a Warrior. Choose the DA40 Star for composite efficiency and an exceptional safety record. On safety all three are gentle, proven trainers; the DA40's record is a standout, and the rest is wing layout and feel, not safety. High-wing standard, low-wing Archer, or composite Diamond.

Pick the 172 if…

  • Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $71,000, you save ~$9,437.
  • More inventory — 162 listings vs 102.

Pick the Archer if…

  • Faster cruise — 124 kts vs 118 kts.
  • Longer range — 703 nm vs 518 nm.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the 172, Archer and DA40?
The 172 is high-wing, the Archer a 180-hp low-wing PA-28, the DA40 a composite. All four-seat trainers; they differ in design, materials and feel.
How is the Archer different from a Warrior?
The Archer has a 180-hp engine versus the Warrior's 160 hp, for more useful load and performance. Both are PA-28s; here the Archer is the more capable low-wing option.
Which is most efficient?
The DA40 — its composite airframe and (often) diesel option give low fuel burn. The 172 and Archer are economical but use more fuel.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Piper Archer?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range. The Archer cruises at 124 kts with 703 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900. Piper Archer: from $129,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Piper Archer?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp). Cruise: 118 vs 124 kts. Range: 518 vs 703 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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?
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load. Archer: 4 seats / 900 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?
172: 1,400-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data