Piper Comanche vs Piper Arrow
The Piper Comanche (PA-24) and Arrow (PA-28R) are both retractable Piper singles — the Comanche is the faster, longer-legged classic; the Arrow is the simpler, more docile Cherokee-based retractable widely used for complex training.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Comanche | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $40,374 – $339,000 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | — | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $145 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Comanche
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Comanche or Piper Arrow?
Bottom line: Choose the Arrow for benign handling, a large support fleet and complex-trainer ubiquity. Choose the Comanche for higher cruise, more range and classic high-performance character — accepting an older airframe and smaller fleet.
Pick the Comanche if…
- Budget matters — from $40,374 vs $44,950, you save ~$4,576.
Pick the Arrow if…
- More inventory — 183 listings vs 57.
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 Comanche or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Comanche: from $71,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Comanche and Piper Arrow?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/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?
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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?
Arrow: 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