Piper Arrow vs Cessna 172
The Cessna 172 and Piper Arrow appeal to different buyers. The high-wing 172 is a fixed-gear, fixed-pitch trainer known for stability and simplicity, while the low-wing Arrow adds retractable gear and a constant-speed prop for complex-rating training and faster cruise. This is the simple trainer versus complex step-up debate.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Arrow | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $44,950 – $429,460 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 940 lbs (426 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 72.0 gal (273 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Arrow or Cessna 172?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for easy handling, low insurance, and the largest support network; pick the Arrow for retractable gear, a constant-speed prop, and faster cruise that makes it a great complex trainer. Both are proven, so mission, ratings goals, and condition typically decide the purchase.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $44,950, you save ~$17,050.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $145/hr.
- More inventory — 413 listings vs 190.
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 Arrow or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Arrow: from $79,000.
Cessna 172: from $125,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Arrow and Cessna 172?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 135 vs 122 kts.
Range: 720 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/hr variable cost.
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?
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
Arrow: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
172: 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