Piper Cherokee 140 vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee 140 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $20,000 – $150,000 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 115 kts (213 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 455 nm (843 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $130 |
| 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 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cherokee 140 or Cessna 172?
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,000 vs $27,900, you save ~$7,900.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $130/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 455 nm.
- More inventory — 410 listings vs 106.
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 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 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 Cherokee 140: from $59,900.
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee 140 and Cessna 172?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 115 vs 122 kts.
Range: 455 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee 140: about $120/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?
Cherokee 140: 4 seats.
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?
Cherokee 140: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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