Grumman AA-5B Tiger vs Piper Archer

The Grumman AA-5B Tiger and Piper Archer are four-seat fixed-gear singles — the Tiger is faster (~140 kt) with sporty handling and a sliding canopy; the Archer is the docile, ubiquitous PA-28 with a larger support fleet.

Live Market Snapshot

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

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
Piper Archer
For sale now
89
Median asking
$149,000
Range
$71,000–$491,439
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
26
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1965–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Grumman AA-5B Tiger Piper Archer
Grumman AA-5B Tiger
View 18 listings →
Median $122,350
Piper Archer
View 90 listings →
Median $149,000
Price Range $93,309 – $154,000 $71,000 – $491,439
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Cruise Speed 143 kts (265 km/h) 124 kts (230 km/h)
Range 681 nm (1,261 km) 703 nm (1,302 km)
Max Gross Weight 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg)
Engines 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Grumman AA-5B Tiger or Piper Archer?

Bottom line: Choose the Tiger for higher cruise, sportier handling and lower fuel burn per knot. Choose the Archer for the largest fixed-gear-single support network, benign trainer manners and easy parts/insurance.

Pick the AA-5B Tiger if…

  • Faster cruise — 143 kts vs 124 kts.

Pick the Archer if…

  • Budget matters — from $71,000 vs $93,309, you save ~$22,309.
  • Longer range — 703 nm vs 681 nm.
  • More inventory — 90 listings vs 18.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Grumman AA-5B Tiger or Piper Archer?
It depends on your mission and budget. The AA-5B Tiger cruises at 143 kts with 681 nm range. The Archer cruises at 124 kts with 703 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Grumman AA-5B Tiger: from $122,350. Piper Archer: from $110,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Grumman AA-5B Tiger and Piper Archer?
AA-5B Tiger engine: Lycoming O-360-A4K. Cruise: 143 vs 124 kts. Range: 681 vs 703 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?
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?
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