Cessna 140 vs Piper Cherokee

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 140
For sale now
13
Median asking
$39,000
Range
$24,200–$57,500
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1946–1966
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)Cessna 140Piper Cherokee
All events4601
Serious320
Fatal350
Fatalities510
% Fatal8%0%
View full Cessna 140 NTSB record →View full Piper Cherokee NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 140 Piper Cherokee
Cessna 140
View 14 listings →
Median $39,000
 Piper Cherokee
View 630 listings →
Median $116,400
Price Range $24,200 – $57,500 $59,948 – $277,250
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2 4
Horsepower 85 HP 150 HP
Cruise Speed 90 kts (167 km/h) 117 kts (217 km/h)
Range 420 nm (778 km) 525 nm (972 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,300 ft (4,359 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,450 lbs (658 kg) 2,150 lbs (975 kg)
Useful Load 500 lbs (227 kg) 850 lbs (386 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) 8.0 GPH (30 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $18,000 $28,000
Annual Fixed $10,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $80 $120
Engines 1 x 4-Cycle 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 140

Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $26,000/yr

Piper Cherokee

Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 140 or Piper Cherokee?

Pick the 140 if…

  • Budget matters — from $24,200 vs $59,948, you save ~$35,748.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$80/hr vs $120/hr.

Pick the Cherokee if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 90 kts.
  • Longer range — 525 nm vs 420 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1946.
  • More inventory — 630 listings vs 14.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna 140 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 140 cruises at 90 kts with 420 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?
Cessna 140: from $30,000. Piper Cherokee: from $58,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 140 and Piper Cherokee?
140 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp). Seats: 2 vs 4. Cruise: 90 vs 117 kts. Range: 420 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
140: about $80/hr variable cost. 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?
140: 2 seats / 500 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?
140: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000. 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