Cessna 172L vs Grumman AA-5B Tiger
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 172L
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $112,475
- Range
- $83,229–$168,650
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1970–1973
Grumman AA-5B Tiger
- For sale now
- 21
- Median asking
- $122,350
- Range
- $93,309–$154,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 7
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1974–1979
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 172L — 5 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | Continental O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 107 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | Lycoming O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 105 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | Lycoming O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 89 |
| 172R | 1996–2007 | IO-360-L2A | 2450 | 120 | 520 | 19 |
| 172S | 1998–now | IO-360-L2A | 2550 | 124 | 518 | 40 |
Grumman AA-5B Tiger — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
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 172L | Grumman AA-5B Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 162 | — |
| Serious | 13 | — |
| Fatal | 26 | — |
| Fatalities | 45 | — |
| % Fatal | 16% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172L | Grumman AA-5B Tiger |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $83,229 – $168,650 | $93,309 – $154,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145–180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 118–124 kts (230 km/h) | 143 kts (265 km/h) |
| Range | 518–585 nm (1,083 km) | 681 nm (1,261 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | — |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172L or Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
Pick the 172L if…
- Budget matters — from $83,229 vs $93,309, you save ~$10,080.
Pick the AA-5B Tiger if…
- Faster cruise — 143 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 681 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1975 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 18 listings vs 11.
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 172L or Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172L cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The AA-5B Tiger cruises at 143 kts with 681 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172L: from $156,000.
Grumman AA-5B Tiger: from $122,350.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172L and Grumman AA-5B Tiger?
AA-5B Tiger engine: Lycoming O-360-A4K.
Cruise: 122 vs 143 kts.
Range: 640 vs 681 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
172L: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
AA-5B Tiger: 4 seats.
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?
172L: 2,000-hour TBO.
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