Piper Arrow vs Thorp T-18
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Piper Arrow
- For sale now
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- Model years available
- 1967–2015
Thorp T-18
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) | Piper Arrow | Thorp T-18 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 14 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 6 |
| Fatalities | — | 9 |
| % Fatal | — | 43% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Arrow | Thorp T-18 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $79,053 – $243,250 | $58,030 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 160 kts (296 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 600 nm (1,111 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 940 lbs (426 kg) | 650 lbs (295 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 72.0 gal (273 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Thorp T-18
Fuel$50/hr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Arrow or Thorp T-18?
Pick the Arrow if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 218 listings vs 1.
Pick the T-18 if…
- Budget matters — from $58,030 vs $79,053, you save ~$21,023.
- Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 135 kts.
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 Arrow or Thorp T-18?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
The T-18 cruises at 160 kts with 600 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Thorp T-18: from $58,030.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Arrow and Thorp T-18?
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 135 vs 160 kts.
Range: 720 vs 600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/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?
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 lb useful load.
T-18: 2 seats / 650 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?
Arrow: 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data