Commander 114 vs Piper Saratoga
The Commander 114 and Piper Saratoga compare two roomy retractable-single haulers.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Commander 114
- For sale now
- 13
- Median asking
- $207,000
- Range
- $109,500–$278,350
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 7
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1976–1996
Piper Saratoga
- For sale now
- 170
- Median asking
- $226,400
- Range
- $115,250–$495,525
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 64
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1965–2007
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) | Commander 114 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 12 | 1 |
| Serious | 1 | 0 |
| Fatal | 7 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 19 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 58% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Commander 114 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $109,500 – $278,350 | $115,250 – $495,525 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | $170 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCommander 114
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Piper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Commander 114 or Piper Saratoga?
Bottom line: Choose the Saratoga for a club-cabin six-seat layout and big load; choose the Commander 114 for a wide four/five-seat cabin, stable handling and value. Saratoga = 6-seat/load; Commander = cabin/value.
Pick the 114 if…
- Budget matters — from $109,500 vs $115,250, you save ~$5,750.
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/hr vs $170/hr.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 155 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 600 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 171 listings vs 8.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Commander 114 or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 114 cruises at 155 kts with 600 nm range.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Commander 114: from $240,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Commander 114 and Piper Saratoga?
Cruise: 155 vs 163 kts.
Range: 600 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
114: about $145/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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?
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
114: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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