Piper Archer vs Piper Warrior
The Piper Archer and Piper Warrior are two members of Piper's long-running PA-28 family — and the Archer vs Warrior choice is mostly a question of power. Both are forgiving, low-wing four-seaters that have trained generations of pilots. The Warrior is the lighter, 160-horsepower trainer; the Archer steps up to 180 horsepower for more useful load and a bit more performance. See what each is bringing today, and how many are listed, below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 89
- Median asking
- $149,000
- Range
- $71,000–$491,439
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 26
- Source marketplaces
- 13
- Model years available
- 1965–2026
- For sale now
- 72
- Median asking
- $89,250
- Range
- $69,514–$170,850
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 14
- Source marketplaces
- 13
- Model years available
- 1973–2005
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Archer | Piper Warrior |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $71,000 – $491,439 | $69,514 – $170,850 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 160 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 124 kts (230 km/h) | 127 kts (235 km/h) |
| Range | 703 nm (1,302 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,100 ft (4,298 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,440 lbs (1,107 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 972 lbs (441 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Piper Archer or Piper Warrior?
Bottom line: Choose the Warrior for economical training and flying — a benign, low-cost PA-28 that's a favourite primary trainer and an easy first airplane. Choose the Archer when you want a little more capability — its extra power brings more useful load and better performance, for not a large step in cost, in the same friendly airframe. On safety both are among the gentlest, best-understood trainers in the sky; the Archer's extra power is capability, not a safety difference. The Warrior is the economical trainer; the Archer is the slightly more capable step up.
Pick the Archer if…
- Longer range — 703 nm vs 640 nm.
- More inventory — 99 listings vs 74.
Pick the Warrior if…
- Budget matters — from $69,514 vs $71,000, you save ~$1,486.
- Faster cruise — 127 kts vs 124 kts.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.