Piper Archer vs Piper Saratoga
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
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
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) | Piper Archer | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Archer | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $71,000 – $491,439 | $115,250 – $495,525 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 124 kts (230 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 703 nm (1,302 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $170 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Archer
Piper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Archer or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the Archer if…
- Budget matters — from $71,000 vs $115,250, you save ~$44,250.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 703 nm.
- More inventory — 171 listings vs 90.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Archer or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Archer cruises at 124 kts with 703 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?
Piper Archer: from $110,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Archer and Piper Saratoga?
Cruise: 124 vs 163 kts.
Range: 703 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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