Piper Dakota vs Piper Comanche
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
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 Dakota | Piper Comanche |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $138,500 – $301,040 | $71,900 – $174,495 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Cruise Speed | 143 kts (265 km/h) | 157 kts (291 km/h) |
| Range | 650 nm (1,204 km) | 956 nm (1,771 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
Which Should You Buy: Piper Dakota or Piper Comanche?
Pick the Dakota if…
Pick the Comanche if…
- Budget matters — from $71,900 vs $138,500, you save ~$66,600.
- Faster cruise — 157 kts vs 143 kts.
- Longer range — 956 nm vs 650 nm.
- More inventory — 59 listings vs 21.
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 Piper Comanche?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Dakota cruises at 143 kts with 650 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 Dakota: from $149,000.
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 Dakota and Piper Comanche?
Cruise: 143 vs 157 kts.
Range: 650 vs 956 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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