Piper Cherokee vs Piper Warrior vs Piper Archer
The Piper Cherokee, Warrior and Archer are the PA-28 family — same low-wing airframe lineage, different wings and power. The "Cherokee" name spans the family; the Warrior (151/161) and Archer (180/181) are the tapered-wing trainer and tourer.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
- For sale now
- 72
- Median asking
- $89,250
- Range
- $69,514–$170,850
- Model years available
- 1973–2005
- For sale now
- 89
- Median asking
- $149,000
- Range
- $71,000–$491,439
- Model years available
- 1965–2026
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) | Piper Cherokee | Piper Warrior | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | — | — |
| Serious | 0 | — | — |
| Fatal | 0 | — | — |
| Fatalities | 0 | — | — |
| % Fatal | 0% | — | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee | Piper Warrior | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $59,948 – $277,250 | $69,514 – $170,850 | $71,000 – $491,439 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 160 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 117 kts (217 km/h) | 127 kts (235 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 525 nm (972 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 703 nm (1,302 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,100 ft (4,298 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | 2,440 lbs (1,107 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 850 lbs (386 kg) | 972 lbs (441 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | — | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | — | — |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | — | — |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | — | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee
Piper Warrior
Piper Archer
Which Should You Buy?
Bottom line: "Cherokee" is the family — within it, choose the Warrior (150-160 hp) for the economical primary trainer, and the Archer (180 hp) for the more capable four-seat tourer with better load and cruise. Earlier straight-wing "Cherokee 140/180" models are the value-entry classics. For most buyers it's Warrior (train/economy) vs Archer (tour/load) within the one PA-28 family.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Lowest entry price — from $59,948
Pick the Warrior if…
- Fastest cruise — 127 kts
Pick the Archer if…
- Longest range — 703 nm
- Most listings for sale — 106
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.