Piper Cherokee vs Cessna 172
The Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee are the two dominant four-seat aircraft in general aviation. The high-wing 172 offers shade, excellent downward visibility, and unmatched parts support, while the low-wing Cherokee provides easy ground access and a sporty feel. This is the foundational high-wing versus low-wing comparison.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $9,800 – $9,950,010 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 117 kts (217 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 525 nm (972 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 850 lbs (386 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cherokee or Cessna 172?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for the broadest support network, great visibility, and easy resale; pick the Cherokee for the low-wing layout, simple cabin access, and often lower purchase prices. Both are proven four-seaters, so condition, avionics, and price typically decide it.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $27,900, you save ~$18,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $130/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1956.
- More inventory — 635 listings vs 414.
Pick the 172 if…
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 525 nm.
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 or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee and Cessna 172?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 117 vs 122 kts.
Range: 525 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee: about $120/hr variable cost.
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?
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
172: 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