Cessna 152 vs Piper Cherokee

The Cessna 152 (two-seat high-wing trainer, 110 hp, ~95 kt) and Piper Cherokee (four-seat low-wing 140/150/160/180, ~108-120 kt) are different-class aircraft — primary trainer vs four-seat touring trainer.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 152
For sale now
59
Median asking
$70,000
Range
$45,545–$117,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
19
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1977–1983
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)Cessna 152Piper Cherokee
All events24351
Serious1300
Fatal2550
Fatalities3860
% Fatal10%0%
View full Cessna 152 NTSB record →View full Piper Cherokee NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 152 Piper Cherokee
View 59 listings →
Median $70,000
 Piper Cherokee
View 630 listings →
Median $116,400
Price Range $45,545 – $117,000 $59,948 – $277,250
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2 4
Horsepower 110 HP 150 HP
Cruise Speed 100 kts (185 km/h) 117 kts (217 km/h)
Range 415 nm (769 km) 525 nm (972 km)
Service Ceiling 14,700 ft (4,481 m) 14,300 ft (4,359 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,670 lbs (758 kg) 2,150 lbs (975 kg)
Useful Load 528 lbs (240 kg) 850 lbs (386 kg)
Fuel Capacity 26.0 gal (98 L) 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) 8.0 GPH (30 L/h)
TBO 2,400 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $22,000 $28,000
Annual Fixed $15,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $100 $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 152

Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $35,000/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 152 or Piper Cherokee?

Bottom line: Choose the 152 for primary two-seat training and lowest acquisition/operating cost. Choose the Cherokee for a real four-seat platform that handles training plus family/touring missions at materially higher acquisition cost.

Pick the 152 if…

  • Budget matters — from $45,545 vs $59,948, you save ~$14,403.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1961.

Pick the Cherokee if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 525 nm vs 415 nm.
  • More inventory — 630 listings vs 59.

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 152 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 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 152: from $75,000. 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 152 and Piper Cherokee?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp). Seats: 2 vs 4. Cruise: 100 vs 117 kts. Range: 415 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: about $100/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?
152: 2 seats / 528 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?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000. 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