Cessna 172 vs Piper Cherokee 180

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk and the Piper Cherokee 180 are two classic four-seat trainers a wing apart — the high-wing Skyhawk and the 180-horsepower low-wing Cherokee. The 172 is the ubiquitous standard; the Cherokee 180 a stable, well-powered low-wing favourite with a strong useful load. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 172
For sale now
421
Median asking
$134,231
Range
$61,563–$324,965
Model years available
1956–2026
Piper Cherokee 180
For sale now
77
Median asking
$99,000
Range
$59,146–$145,000
Model years available
1962–2025

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 172 — 3 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
172 Continental 1956–1967 O-300 2300 118 520 137
172 O-320 150hp 1968–1976 O-320-E2D 2300 120 585 128
172 O-320 160hp 1977–1986 O-320-H2AD/D2J 2400 122 585 103

Piper Cherokee 180 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cessna 172Piper Cherokee 180
All events6810—
Serious542—
Fatal960—
Fatalities1802—
% Fatal14%—
View full Cessna 172 NTSB record →View full Piper Cherokee 180 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 172 Piper Cherokee 180
Cessna 172
View 163 listings →
Median $134,231
 Piper Cherokee 180
View 87 listings →
Median $99,000
Price Range $61,563 – $324,965 $59,146 – $145,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 145–160 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 118–122 kts (226 km/h) 124 kts (230 km/h)
Range 520–585 nm (1,083 km) 630 nm (1,167 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,150 ft (4,313 m)
Max Gross Weight 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg)
Useful Load 878 lbs (398 kg) 1,055 lbs (479 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) —
Fuel Burn 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) 9.5 GPH (36 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $30,000 —
Annual Fixed $18,000 —
Hourly Variable $130 —
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 172

Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Piper Cherokee 180

Fuel$52/hr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee 180?

Bottom line: Choose the 172 Skyhawk for the high-wing standard — superb downward visibility, support everywhere and easy ownership. Choose the Cherokee 180 for a low-wing with useful power — a planted ride and the 180-hp PA-28's strong useful load, good for carrying four. On safety both are benign, proven four-seat trainers with strong records; the choice is wing layout and feel, not safety. High-wing classic, or well-powered low-wing.

Pick the 172 if…

  • More inventory — 163 listings vs 87.

Pick the Cherokee 180 if…

  • Budget matters — from $59,146 vs $61,563, you save ~$2,417.
  • Faster cruise — 124 kts vs 118 kts.
  • Longer range — 630 nm vs 518 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1963 vs 1956.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee 180?
Mainly the wing and power — the 172 is high-wing; the Cherokee 180 a 180-hp low-wing PA-28 with a strong useful load. Performance is comparable; the differences are visibility, cabin access and feel.
Which carries more?
The Cherokee 180 often has a strong useful load for its class; the 172 is comparable and prized for visibility and support. Check the specific aircraft's useful load.
Which is better for training?
Both are excellent — high-wing 172s give better downward visibility, the low-wing Cherokee a planted feel. It comes down to preference and what your school flies.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee 180?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range. The Cherokee 180 cruises at 124 kts with 630 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900. Piper Cherokee 180: from $149,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee 180?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp). Cruise: 118 vs 124 kts. Range: 518 vs 630 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load. Cherokee 180: 4 seats / 1,055 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?
172: 1,400-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