Piper Saratoga vs Commander 114
The Commander 114 and Piper Saratoga compare two roomy retractable-single haulers.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Saratoga
- For sale now
- 170
- Median asking
- $226,400
- Range
- $115,250–$495,525
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 64
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1965–2007
Commander 114
- For sale now
- 13
- Median asking
- $207,000
- Range
- $109,500–$278,350
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 7
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1976–1996
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 Saratoga | Commander 114 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 12 |
| Serious | 0 | 1 |
| Fatal | 0 | 7 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 19 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 58% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Saratoga | Commander 114 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $115,250 – $495,525 | $109,500 – $278,350 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | — |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 163 kts (302 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 950 nm (1,759 km) | 600 nm (1,111 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 102.0 gal (386 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $170 | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Commander 114
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Saratoga or Commander 114?
Bottom line: Choose the Saratoga for a club-cabin six-seat layout and big load; choose the Commander 114 for a wide four/five-seat cabin, stable handling and value. Saratoga = 6-seat/load; Commander = cabin/value.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 155 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 600 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 171 listings vs 8.
Pick the 114 if…
- Budget matters — from $109,500 vs $115,250, you save ~$5,750.
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/hr vs $170/hr.
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 Saratoga or Commander 114?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
The 114 cruises at 155 kts with 600 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Commander 114: from $240,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Saratoga and Commander 114?
Cruise: 163 vs 155 kts.
Range: 950 vs 600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Saratoga: about $170/hr variable cost.
114: about $145/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?
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
114: 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