Cessna 177 vs Piper Arrow
The Cessna 177 Cardinal (four-seat high-wing, ~135 kt depending on variant) and Piper Arrow PA-28R (four-seat low-wing retractable, ~135-140 kt) are similar-cruise but different-design four-seaters — the Cardinal is the cantilever-wing Cessna; the Arrow is the retractable Piper.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 71
- Median asking
- $134,500
- Range
- $91,273–$189,850
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1967–1978
- For sale now
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 71
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1967–2015
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 177 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 766 | — |
| Serious | 84 | — |
| Fatal | 141 | — |
| Fatalities | 281 | — |
| % Fatal | 18% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 177 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $91,273 – $189,850 | $79,053 – $243,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,350 lbs (1,066 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 177
Piper Arrow
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 177 or Piper Arrow?
Bottom line: Choose the Cardinal RG for the unique cantilever-wing Cessna character and high-wing visibility. Choose the Arrow for the Piper low-wing handling and the much larger Arrow support network (more units produced).
Pick the 177 if…
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1967.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $91,273, you save ~$12,220.
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/hr vs $150/hr.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 120 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 194 listings vs 69.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.