Cessna 152 vs Piper Cherokee
The Cessna 152 (two-seat high-wing trainer, 110 hp, ~95 kt) and Piper Cherokee (four-seat low-wing 140/150/160/180, ~108-120 kt) are different-class aircraft — primary trainer vs four-seat touring trainer.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 59
- Median asking
- $70,000
- Range
- $45,545–$117,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1977–1983
Piper Cherokee
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 164
- Source marketplaces
- 23
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 152 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | 1 |
| Serious | 130 | 0 |
| Fatal | 255 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 386 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 10% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,545 – $117,000 | $59,948 – $277,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the 152 for primary two-seat training and lowest acquisition/operating cost. Choose the Cherokee for a real four-seat platform that handles training plus family/touring missions at materially higher acquisition cost.
Pick the 152 if…
- Budget matters — from $45,545 vs $59,948, you save ~$14,403.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1961.
- More inventory — 58 listings vs 27.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 525 nm vs 415 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 152 and Piper Cherokee?
High-wing vs low-wing and seating. The Cessna 152 (Lycoming O-235, 110 hp, 2 seats, high-wing, fixed tricycle gear, ~107 kt) is the two-seat training standard. The Piper Cherokee (Lycoming O-320, ~160 hp, 4 seats, low-wing, fixed gear, ~120–130 kt) is a four-seat low-wing trainer and personal aircraft. If you need four seats, the Cherokee wins by default; for pure two-seat training, the 152 is the cheaper choice.
Cessna 152 or Piper Cherokee — which for training?
Buy the 152 if: two-seat primary training at the lowest hourly cost, high-wing visibility, and the world's most common training fleet define the choice. Buy the Cherokee if: four seats, a low-wing experience, and the step up to a slightly more powerful aircraft are priorities. Most pilots start on the 152 then progress to a Cherokee or Arrow.
How does the low-wing vs high-wing experience differ?
The 152's high-wing provides excellent ground visibility — useful for navigation. The Cherokee's low-wing blocks some downward ground visibility but provides better upward sky visibility. Handling differs: the Cherokee's low wing is considered more stable in roll. Most flight schools offer both; rental access is the practical differentiator.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 152: O-235-L2C (110 hp), 2 seats, high-wing, ~107 kt. Piper Cherokee 140/160: O-320 (~160 hp), 4 seats, low-wing, ~120–130 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 152 is less expensive — the 110 hp O-235 burns less fuel than the Cherokee's O-320, and two-seat piston maintenance is universally affordable. The Cherokee's four seats mean more useful capacity per rental dollar when flying with passengers. For solo or instructor-student flying, the 152 costs less per hour.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 152 for two-seat training at the lowest cost — the world's most common two-seat trainer. Piper Cherokee for four-seat capability — when the extra seats and low-wing experience are worth the step up in acquisition and operating cost.
Which is better, Cessna 152 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $89,000.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Piper Cherokee?
152 engine: LYCOMING O-235 (110 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 100 vs 117 kts.
Range: 415 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: about $100/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: about $120/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?
152: 2 seats / 528 lb useful load.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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