Piper Colt vs Cessna 140
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Colt
- For sale now
- 5
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1961–1966
Cessna 140
- For sale now
- 13
- Median asking
- $39,000
- Range
- $24,200–$57,500
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1946–1966
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 Colt | Cessna 140 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 460 |
| Serious | — | 32 |
| Fatal | — | 35 |
| Fatalities | — | 51 |
| % Fatal | — | 8% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Colt | Cessna 140 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $18,035 – $29,285 | $24,200 – $57,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 85 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 94 kts (174 km/h) | 90 kts (167 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) | 1,450 lbs (658 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $18,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $80 |
| Engines | — | 1 x 4-Cycle |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Colt
Cessna 140
Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$26,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Colt or Cessna 140?
Pick the Colt if…
- Budget matters — from $18,035 vs $24,200, you save ~$6,165.
- Faster cruise — 94 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 600 nm vs 420 nm.
Pick the 140 if…
- More inventory — 14 listings vs 5.
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 Colt or Cessna 140?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Colt cruises at 94 kts with 600 nm range.
The 140 cruises at 90 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 140: from $30,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Colt and Cessna 140?
140 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
Cruise: 94 vs 90 kts.
Range: 600 vs 420 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
140: about $80/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?
140: 2 seats / 500 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?
140: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000.
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