Beechcraft Musketeer vs Piper Cherokee
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft Musketeer
- For sale now
- 44
- Median asking
- $99,975
- Range
- $44,392–$152,165
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 8
- Source marketplaces
- 8
- Model years available
- 1963–1983
Piper Cherokee
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 164
- Source marketplaces
- 23
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
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) | Beechcraft Musketeer | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Musketeer | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $44,392 – $152,165 | $59,948 – $277,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 3 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 165 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 130 kts (241 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Musketeer
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Musketeer or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the Musketeer if…
- Budget matters — from $44,392 vs $59,948, you save ~$15,556.
- Faster cruise — 130 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1962 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- More seats — 4 vs 3.
- More inventory — 630 listings vs 45.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft Musketeer or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Musketeer cruises at 130 kts with 640 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 Cherokee: from $58,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Musketeer and Piper Cherokee?
Musketeer engine: Continental;Lycoming O-320;IO-346;O-360 (165 hp).
Seats: 3 vs 4.
Cruise: 130 vs 117 kts.
Range: 640 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
Musketeer: 3 seats / 900 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?
Musketeer: 2,000-hour TBO.
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