Piper Dakota vs Mooney 201
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Dakota
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $185,000
- Range
- $138,500–$301,040
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1978–1994
Mooney 201
- For sale now
- 57
- Median asking
- $139,450
- Range
- $96,250–$234,955
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 1977–1998
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 Dakota | Mooney 201 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Dakota | Mooney 201 |
|---|---|---|
|
Median $139,450
|
|
| Price Range | $138,500 – $301,040 | $96,250 – $234,955 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 143 kts (265 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 650 nm (1,204 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $140 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Dakota
Mooney 201
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Dakota or Mooney 201?
Pick the Dakota if…
Pick the 201 if…
- Budget matters — from $96,250 vs $138,500, you save ~$42,250.
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 143 kts.
- Longer range — 820 nm vs 650 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 Dakota or Mooney 201?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Dakota cruises at 143 kts with 650 nm range.
The 201 cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Dakota: from $149,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Dakota and Mooney 201?
201 engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Cruise: 143 vs 161 kts.
Range: 650 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
201: about $140/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?
201: 4 seats / 900 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?
201: 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