Piper Colt vs Cessna 140

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Colt Cessna 140
Piper Colt
View 5 listings →
Median $27,363
Cessna 140
View 11 listings →
Median $36,750
Price Range $17,000 – $29,500 $18,500 – $69,500
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2
Horsepower 85 HP
Cruise Speed 90 kts (167 km/h)
Range 420 nm (778 km)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg)
Useful Load 500 lbs (227 kg)
Fuel Burn 5.0 GPH (19 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $18,000
Annual Fixed $10,000
Hourly Variable $80
Engines 1 x 4-Cycle

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Colt

Cessna 140

Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $26,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Colt or Cessna 140?

Pick the Colt if…

  • Budget matters — from $17,000 vs $18,500, you save ~$1,500.

Pick the 140 if…

  • More inventory — 11 listings vs 5.

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 Colt or Cessna 140?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 140 cruises at 90 kts with 420 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Colt: from $29,500. Cessna 140: from $49,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Colt and Cessna 140?
140 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
140: about $80/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?
140: 2 seats / 500 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?
140: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000. 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