Piper Cherokee 140 vs Cessna 150

The Piper Cherokee 140 (four-seat low-wing trainer, 140-150 hp, ~108 kt) and Cessna 150 (two-seat fixed-gear trainer, 100 hp, ~90 kt) are different-class aircraft — the Cherokee 140 is a four-seat trainer that can carry a real family load; the 150 is a primary two-seat trainer.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Cherokee 140
For sale now
107
Median asking
$72,231
Range
$37,103–$122,058
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
1964–1977
Cessna 150
For sale now
136
Median asking
$53,250
Range
$32,955–$91,808
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
34
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1959–1978

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

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Piper Cherokee 140 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Cessna 150 — 1 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
172 O-320 150hp 1968–1976 Lycoming O-320-E2D 2300 120 585 105

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 Cherokee 140Cessna 150
All events13241
Serious0351
Fatal0427
Fatalities0611
% Fatal0%13%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Cherokee 140 Cessna 150
Piper Cherokee 140
View 106 listings →
Median $72,231
Cessna 150
View 140 listings →
Median $53,250
Price Range $37,103 – $122,058 $32,955 – $91,808
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 2
Horsepower 150 HP 100 HP
Cruise Speed 115 kts (213 km/h) 97 kts (180 km/h)
Range 455 nm (843 km) 420 nm (778 km)
Service Ceiling 14,350 ft (4,374 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,150 lbs (975 kg) 1,600 lbs (726 kg)
Useful Load 530 lbs (240 kg)
Fuel Capacity 50.0 gal (189 L) 26.0 gal (98 L)
Fuel Burn 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) 6.0 GPH (23 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $28,000 $25,000
Annual Fixed $16,000 $15,000
Hourly Variable $120 $100
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Cherokee 140

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Cessna 150

Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $35,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Cherokee 140 or Cessna 150?

Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 150/152 for primary training and the cheapest two-seat fun-flyer. Choose the Cherokee 140 for a real four-seat low-wing platform, training utility and the broader mission flexibility — at higher acquisition cost but a much more useful airplane.

Pick the Cherokee 140 if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 115 kts vs 97 kts.
  • Longer range — 455 nm vs 420 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1959.

Pick the 150 if…

  • Budget matters — from $32,955 vs $37,103, you save ~$4,148.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
  • More inventory — 140 listings vs 106.

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 Cherokee 140 or Cessna 150?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 nm range. The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cherokee 140: from $115,000. Cessna 150: from $56,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee 140 and Cessna 150?
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp). Seats: 4 vs 2. Cruise: 115 vs 97 kts. Range: 455 vs 420 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee 140: about $120/hr variable cost. 150: 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?
Cherokee 140: 4 seats. 150: 2 seats / 530 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?
Cherokee 140: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000. 150: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000. 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