Piper Malibu vs Piper Saratoga

The Piper Malibu and the Piper Saratoga are two very different Piper singles — the pressurised, cabin-class Malibu and the roomy, unpressurised Saratoga. The Malibu flies high above weather in a pressurised cabin; the Saratoga is the affordable six-seat hauler with a big cabin and club seating. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Piper Malibu
For sale now
281
Median asking
$950,000
Range
$417,000–$3,032,000
Model years available
1984–2026
Piper Saratoga
For sale now
170
Median asking
$226,400
Range
$115,250–$495,525
Model years available
1965–2007

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 MalibuPiper Saratoga
All events—1
Serious—0
Fatal—0
Fatalities—0
% Fatal—0%
View full Piper Malibu NTSB record →View full Piper Saratoga NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Malibu Piper Saratoga
Piper Malibu
View 23 listings →
Median $950,000
 Piper Saratoga
View 121 listings →
Median $226,400
Price Range $417,000 – $3,032,000 $115,250 – $495,525
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 310 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 213 kts (394 km/h) 163 kts (302 km/h)
Range 1,300 nm (2,408 km) 950 nm (1,759 km)
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7,620 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,200 lbs (544 kg) 1,360 lbs (617 kg)
Fuel Capacity 120.0 gal (454 L) 102.0 gal (386 L)
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) 15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $20,000
Hourly Variable $190 $170
Engines 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Malibu

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Piper Saratoga

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $54,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu or Piper Saratoga?

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu for pressurised, high-altitude travel — a fast, cabin-class single that crosses weather above much of it in a pressurised cabin. Choose the Saratoga for affordable six-seat hauling — a roomy, simpler single with club seating and lower running costs. On safety both are proven Piper singles; the Malibu adds the systems of pressurisation and high-altitude flying, the Saratoga stays simpler — a mission and complexity difference, not a safety gap. Pressurised cabin-class, or roomy six-seat hauler.

Pick the Malibu if…

  • Faster cruise — 213 kts vs 163 kts.
  • Longer range — 1300 nm vs 950 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1980.

Pick the Saratoga if…

  • Budget matters — from $115,250 vs $417,000, you save ~$301,750.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $190/hr.
  • More inventory — 121 listings vs 23.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Malibu and Saratoga?
The Malibu is a pressurised, cabin-class single that flies high; the Saratoga an unpressurised six-seat hauler. They differ in pressurisation, speed and mission.
Which flies higher?
The Malibu — its pressurised cabin lets it cruise above much of the weather. The Saratoga is unpressurised and flies lower.
Which is cheaper to own?
The Saratoga — a simpler, unpressurised single with lower running costs. The Malibu's pressurisation and high-altitude systems cost more to maintain.
Which is better, Piper Malibu or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Malibu cruises at 213 kts with 1,300 nm range. The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $419,000. Piper Saratoga: from $397,326. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Malibu and Piper Saratoga?
Cruise: 213 vs 163 kts. Range: 1300 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/hr variable cost. Saratoga: about $170/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?
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 lb useful load. Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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