Piper Cherokee 140 vs Cessna 152
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee 140 | Cessna 152 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $20,000 – $150,000 | $38,000 – $125,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 110 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 115 kts (213 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 455 nm (843 km) | 415 nm (769 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 528 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $22,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee 140
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Cessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cherokee 140 or Cessna 152?
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,000 vs $38,000, you save ~$18,000.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 115 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 455 nm vs 415 nm.
- More inventory — 107 listings vs 57.
Pick the 152 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1964.
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 Cherokee 140 or Cessna 152?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 nm range.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $74,950.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee 140 and Cessna 152?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 115 vs 100 kts.
Range: 455 vs 415 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee 140: about $120/hr variable cost.
152: about $100/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?
Cherokee 140: 4 seats.
152: 2 seats / 528 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?
Cherokee 140: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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