Piper Cherokee Six vs Cessna 206
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee Six | Cessna 206 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $79,000 – $495,000 | $139,000 – $1,295,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 840 nm (1,556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,250 ft (4,953 m) | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 84.0 gal (318 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee Six
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$50,000/yr
Cessna 206
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cherokee Six or Cessna 206?
Pick the Cherokee Six if…
- Budget matters — from $79,000 vs $139,000, you save ~$60,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $175/hr.
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 142 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1965 vs 1964.
Pick the 206 if…
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 800 nm.
- More inventory — 173 listings vs 48.
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 Six or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee Six cruises at 145 kts with 800 nm range.
The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cherokee Six: from $244,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee Six and Cessna 206?
206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp).
Seats: 7 vs 6.
Cruise: 145 vs 142 kts.
Range: 800 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee Six: about $150/hr variable cost.
206: about $175/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 Six: 7 seats / 1,510 lb useful load.
206: 6 seats / 1,400 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 Six: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
206: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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