Piper Cherokee Six vs Mooney M20J
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee Six | Mooney M20J |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $79,000 – $495,000 | $59,394 – $266,441 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,250 ft (4,953 m) | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 84.0 gal (318 L) | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $140 |
| 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
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 Six or Mooney M20J?
Pick the Cherokee Six if…
- More seats — 7 vs 4.
Pick the M20J if…
- Budget matters — from $59,394 vs $79,000, you save ~$19,606.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $150/hr.
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 145 kts.
- Longer range — 820 nm vs 800 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1965.
- More inventory — 54 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 Mooney M20J?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee Six cruises at 145 kts with 800 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?
Piper Cherokee Six: from $244,900.
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 Six and Mooney M20J?
M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Seats: 7 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 161 kts.
Range: 800 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee Six: about $150/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 Six: 7 seats / 1,510 lb useful load.
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 Six: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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