Piper Arrow vs Sonaca 201
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Piper Arrow
- For sale now
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- Model years available
- 1967–2015
Sonaca 201
- For sale now
- 4
- Model years available
- 2021–2021
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Arrow | Sonaca 201 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $79,053 – $243,250 | $126,384 – $150,574 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 115 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) | 1,653 lbs (750 kg) |
| Useful Load | 940 lbs (426 kg) | 569 lbs (258 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 72.0 gal (273 L) | 23.0 gal (87 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) | 5.2 GPH (20 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $20,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | $75 |
| 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
Sonaca 201
Fuel$29/hr
Variable$75/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$25,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Arrow or Sonaca 201?
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $126,384, you save ~$47,331.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 110 kts.
- More inventory — 218 listings vs 2.
Pick the 201 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$75/hr vs $145/hr.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2018 vs 1967.
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 Sonaca 201?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
The 201 cruises at 110 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Arrow: from $119,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Arrow and Sonaca 201?
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 135 vs 110 kts.
Range: 720 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/hr variable cost.
201: about $75/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.
201: 2 seats / 569 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.
201: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$20,000.
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