Piper Comanche vs Piper Cherokee
The Piper Cherokee PA-28 (fixed-gear four-seater, ~115-125 kt) / Saratoga PA-32R (retractable six-seater, ~165 kt) and the Piper Comanche 260 (PA-24, retractable four/six-seater, ~160 kt) are predecessor and successor aircraft — the Comanche (1957-1972) was Piper's high-performance retractable before the Cherokee/Saratoga line replaced it after the 1972 Lock Haven flood.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Comanche | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $40,279 – $339,000 | $9,800 – $699,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | — | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Comanche
Piper Cherokee
Which Should You Buy: Piper Comanche or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the modern Cherokee/Saratoga for the much larger active support network and in-production-era systems. Choose the Comanche 260 for typically lower acquisition cost and the classic Piper retractable character — accepting older systems, age-related corrosion concerns and thinner parts support.
Pick the Comanche if…
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $40,279, you save ~$30,479.
- More inventory — 598 listings vs 58.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.