Piper Cherokee 140 vs Mooney M20J
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee 140 | Mooney M20J |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $20,000 – $150,000 | $59,394 – $266,441 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 115 kts (213 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 455 nm (843 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $140 |
| 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
Mooney M20J
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cherokee 140 or Mooney M20J?
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,000 vs $59,394, you save ~$39,394.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $140/hr.
- More inventory — 107 listings vs 54.
Pick the M20J if…
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 820 nm vs 455 nm.
- 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 Mooney M20J?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 nm range.
The M20J cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney M20J: from $165,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee 140 and Mooney M20J?
M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Cruise: 115 vs 161 kts.
Range: 455 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee 140: about $120/hr variable cost.
M20J: about $140/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.
M20J: 4 seats / 900 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.
M20J: 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