Cessna 170B vs Piper Pacer
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 170B
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $120,000
- Range
- $70,930–$290,465
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1952–1960
Piper Pacer
- For sale now
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1950–1950
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 170B | Piper Pacer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 405 | — |
| Serious | 26 | — |
| Fatal | 29 | — |
| Fatalities | 47 | — |
| % Fatal | 7% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 170B | Piper Pacer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $70,930 – $290,465 | $4,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 145 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 109 kts (202 km/h) |
| Range | 500 nm (926 km) | 504 nm (933 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | 1,950 lbs (885 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $14,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | — |
| Engines | 1 x 4-Cycle | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 170B
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$14,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$34,000/yr
Piper Pacer
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 170B or Piper Pacer?
Pick the 170B if…
- More inventory — 10 listings vs 1.
Pick the Pacer if…
- Budget matters — from $4,500 vs $70,930, you save ~$66,430.
- Faster cruise — 109 kts vs 105 kts.
- Longer range — 504 nm vs 500 nm.
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 170B or Piper Pacer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 170B cruises at 105 kts with 500 nm range.
The Pacer cruises at 109 kts with 504 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 170B: from $59,500.
Piper Pacer: from $4,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 170B and Piper Pacer?
170B engine: Continental C145-3 (145 hp).
Cruise: 105 vs 109 kts.
Range: 500 vs 504 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
170B: about $100/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?
170B: 4 seats / 900 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?
170B: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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