Cessna 170 vs Piper PACER PA-22/20-180
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 170
- For sale now
- 17
- Median asking
- $144,500
- Range
- $52,942–$244,775
- Model years available
- 1948–1985
Piper PACER PA-22/20-180
No active listings right now.
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) | Cessna 170 | Piper PACER PA-22/20-180 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 728 | — |
| Serious | 52 | — |
| Fatal | 56 | — |
| Fatalities | 98 | — |
| % Fatal | 8% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 170 | Piper PACER PA-22/20-180 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $52,942 – $244,775 | $89,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 145 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | — |
| Range | 500 nm (926 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 37.0 gal (140 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 170
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Piper PACER PA-22/20-180
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 170 or Piper PACER PA-22/20-180?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 170 cruises at 105 kts with 500 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 170: from $112,298.
Piper PACER PA-22/20-180: from $89,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 170 and Piper PACER PA-22/20-180?
170 engine: CONTINENTAL C145-2 (145 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
170: about $130/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?
170: 4 seats / 900 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?
170: 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