Piper M600 vs Piper Cherokee
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper M600 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,179,000 – $4,414,112 | $9,800 – $9,950,010 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 260 kts (482 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 1,484 nm (2,748 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,822 lbs (826 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 260.0 gal (984 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $750 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper M600
Fuel$220/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$270,000/yr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper M600 or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the M600 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 1484 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2016 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $2,179,000, you save ~$2,169,200.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $750/hr.
- More inventory — 629 listings vs 30.
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 M600 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The M600 cruises at 260 kts with 1,484 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper M600: from $3,250,000.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper M600 and Piper Cherokee?
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 260 vs 117 kts.
Range: 1484 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M600: about $750/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: about $120/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?
M600: 6 seats / 1,822 lb useful load.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
M600: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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