Piper Apache vs Piper Aztec
The Piper Apache (PA-23-150/160) and Aztec (PA-23-250) are predecessor and successor in the same Piper twin line — the Apache is the lighter, lower-powered original; the Aztec is the more powerful, faster, longer-lived development.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1956–1961
- For sale now
- 30
- Median asking
- $152,000
- Range
- $52,467–$313,500
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 9
- Source marketplaces
- 8
- Model years available
- 1965–1979
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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) | Piper Apache | Piper Aztec |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Apache | Piper Aztec |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $64,100 – $213,410 | $52,467 – $313,500 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 149 kts (276 km/h) |
| Range | 616 nm (1,141 km) | 1,320 nm (2,445 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
Which Should You Buy: Piper Apache or Piper Aztec?
Bottom line: Choose the Aztec for more power, speed, payload and far better support. Choose the Apache only as the lowest-cost entry into a piston twin, accepting modest performance and a thin parts base.
Pick the Apache if…
Pick the Aztec if…
- Budget matters — from $52,467 vs $64,100, you save ~$11,633.
- Faster cruise — 149 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 1320 nm vs 616 nm.
- More inventory — 30 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.