Piper Arrow vs Piper Comanche

The Piper Comanche (PA-24) and Arrow (PA-28R) are both retractable Piper singles — the Comanche is the faster, longer-legged classic; the Arrow is the simpler, more docile Cherokee-based retractable widely used for complex training.

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
Piper Comanche
For sale now
57
Median asking
$115,000
Range
$71,900–$174,495
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
18
Source marketplaces
8
Model years available
1958–1992

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 Piper Arrow Piper Comanche
Piper Arrow
View 194 listings →
Median $134,945
Piper Comanche
View 59 listings →
Median $115,000
Price Range $79,053 – $243,250 $71,900 – $174,495
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Horsepower 200 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 157 kts (291 km/h)
Range 720 nm (1,333 km) 956 nm (1,771 km)
Service Ceiling 15,400 ft (4,694 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg)
Useful Load 940 lbs (426 kg)
Fuel Capacity 72.0 gal (273 L)
Fuel Burn 10.5 GPH (40 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000
Annual Fixed $18,000
Hourly Variable $145
Engines 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

Piper Comanche

Which Should You Buy: Piper Arrow or Piper Comanche?

Bottom line: Choose the Arrow for benign handling, a large support fleet and complex-trainer ubiquity. Choose the Comanche for higher cruise, more range and classic high-performance character — accepting an older airframe and smaller fleet.

Pick the Arrow if…

  • More inventory — 194 listings vs 59.

Pick the Comanche if…

  • Budget matters — from $71,900 vs $79,053, you save ~$7,153.
  • Faster cruise — 157 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 956 nm vs 720 nm.

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 Piper Comanche?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range. The Comanche cruises at 157 kts with 956 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Arrow: from $109,000. Piper Comanche: from $149,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Arrow and Piper Comanche?
Cruise: 135 vs 157 kts. Range: 720 vs 956 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/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. 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. 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