Piper Cherokee Six vs Piper Seneca
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee Six | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $79,000 – $495,000 | $53,000 – $875,612 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,250 ft (4,953 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 84.0 gal (318 L) | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $280 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee Six
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$50,000/yr
Piper Seneca
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cherokee Six or Piper Seneca?
Pick the Cherokee Six if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $280/hr.
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- Longer range — 800 nm vs 750 nm.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $53,000 vs $79,000, you save ~$26,000.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 145 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1965.
- More inventory — 114 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 Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee Six cruises at 145 kts with 800 nm range.
The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 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 Piper Seneca?
Seats: 7 vs 6.
Cruise: 145 vs 180 kts.
Range: 800 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee Six: about $150/hr variable cost.
Seneca: about $280/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.
Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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.
Seneca: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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