Cessna 140 vs Piper Tri-Pacer
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 Tri-Pacer
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $47,450
- Range
- $19,875–$85,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 1950–2019
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 140 | Piper Tri-Pacer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 460 | — |
| Serious | 32 | — |
| Fatal | 35 | — |
| Fatalities | 51 | — |
| % Fatal | 8% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 140 | Piper Tri-Pacer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $24,200 – $57,500 | $19,875 – $85,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Horsepower | 85 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | — |
| Range | 420 nm (778 km) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,450 lbs (658 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $18,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $80 | — |
| Engines | 1 x 4-Cycle | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 140
Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$26,000/yr
Piper Tri-Pacer
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 140 or Piper Tri-Pacer?
Pick the 140 if…
- More inventory — 14 listings vs 11.
Pick the Tri-Pacer if…
- Budget matters — from $19,875 vs $24,200, you save ~$4,325.
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 Tri-Pacer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 140 cruises at 90 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 140: from $30,000.
Piper Tri-Pacer: from $36,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 140 and Piper Tri-Pacer?
140 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
140: about $80/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.
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.
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