Piper Archer vs Grumman AA-5B Tiger
The Grumman AA-5B Tiger and Piper Archer are four-seat fixed-gear singles — the Tiger is faster (~140 kt) with sporty handling and a sliding canopy; the Archer is the docile, ubiquitous PA-28 with a larger support fleet.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Archer | Grumman AA-5B Tiger |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $25,000 – $554,000 | $84,724 – $199,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Piper Archer or Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
Bottom line: Choose the Tiger for higher cruise, sportier handling and lower fuel burn per knot. Choose the Archer for the largest fixed-gear-single support network, benign trainer manners and easy parts/insurance.
Pick the Archer if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $84,724, you save ~$59,724.
- More inventory — 89 listings vs 17.
Pick the AA-5B Tiger if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Archer or Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
It depends on your mission and budget.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Archer: from $517,000.
Grumman AA-5B Tiger: from $139,097.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Archer and Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
AA-5B Tiger engine: Lycoming O-360-A4K.
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?
AA-5B Tiger: 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?
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