Piper Arrow vs Cessna 152

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Arrow
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
Cessna 152
For sale now
59
Median asking
$70,000
Range
$45,545–$117,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
19
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1977–1983

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 ArrowCessna 152
All events—2435
Serious—130
Fatal—255
Fatalities—386
% Fatal—10%
View full Piper Arrow NTSB record →View full Cessna 152 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Arrow Cessna 152
Piper Arrow
View 194 listings →
Median $134,945
View 59 listings →
Median $70,000
Price Range $79,053 – $243,250 $45,545 – $117,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 2
Horsepower 200 HP 110 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 720 nm (1,333 km) 415 nm (769 km)
Service Ceiling 15,400 ft (4,694 m) 14,700 ft (4,481 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) 1,670 lbs (758 kg)
Useful Load 940 lbs (426 kg) 528 lbs (240 kg)
Fuel Capacity 72.0 gal (273 L) 26.0 gal (98 L)
Fuel Burn 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) 6.1 GPH (23 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,400 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000 $22,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $15,000
Hourly Variable $145 $100
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Arrow

Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $47,000/yr

Cessna 152

Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $35,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Arrow or Cessna 152?

Pick the Arrow if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 720 nm vs 415 nm.
  • More inventory — 194 listings vs 59.

Pick the 152 if…

  • Budget matters — from $45,545 vs $79,053, you save ~$33,508.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $145/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1967.

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 Arrow or Cessna 152?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range. The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Arrow: from $109,000. Cessna 152: from $75,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Arrow and Cessna 152?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp). Seats: 4 vs 2. Cruise: 135 vs 100 kts. Range: 720 vs 415 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/hr variable cost. 152: about $100/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?
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 lb useful load. 152: 2 seats / 528 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?
Arrow: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000. 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