Piper Pacer vs Cessna 170

The Cessna 170 and Piper Pacer (PA-20/PA-22) are classic 1950s taildragger tourers — the 170 is the all-metal high-wing Cessna four-seater; the Pacer is the fabric high-wing Piper.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Pacer
For sale now
1
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
1950–1950
Cessna 170
For sale now
17
Median asking
$144,500
Range
$52,942–$244,775
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
5
Source marketplaces
5
Model years available
1948–1985

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 PacerCessna 170
All events—728
Serious—52
Fatal—56
Fatalities—98
% Fatal—8%
View full Piper Pacer NTSB record →View full Cessna 170 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Pacer Cessna 170
View 1 listings →
Median $4,500
 Cessna 170
View 18 listings →
Median $144,500
Price Range $4,500 $52,942 – $244,775
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats — 4
Horsepower — 145 HP
Cruise Speed 109 kts (202 km/h) 105 kts (194 km/h)
Range 504 nm (933 km) 500 nm (926 km)
Max Gross Weight 1,950 lbs (885 kg) 2,200 lbs (998 kg)
Useful Load — 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Burn — 9.0 GPH (34 L/h)
TBO — 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $30,000
Annual Fixed — $18,000
Hourly Variable — $130
Engines — 1 x Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Pacer

Cessna 170

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Pacer or Cessna 170?

Bottom line: Choose the 170 for all-metal durability and the larger cabin. Choose the Pacer for lighter, nimble vintage Piper handling and lower acquisition cost — a fabric classic that rewards a careful pre-buy of the covering and structure.

Pick the Pacer if…

  • Budget matters — from $4,500 vs $52,942, you save ~$48,442.
  • Faster cruise — 109 kts vs 105 kts.
  • Longer range — 504 nm vs 500 nm.

Pick the 170 if…

  • More inventory — 18 listings vs 1.

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 Pacer or Cessna 170?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Pacer cruises at 109 kts with 504 nm range. The 170 cruises at 105 kts with 500 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Pacer: from $4,500. Cessna 170: from $159,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Pacer and Cessna 170?
170 engine: Continental C145-2 (145 hp). Cruise: 109 vs 105 kts. Range: 504 vs 500 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
170: about $130/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?
170: 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?
170: 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