Sonaca 201 vs Piper Cherokee
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Sonaca 201
- For sale now
- 4
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2021–2021
Piper Cherokee
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 164
- Source marketplaces
- 23
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
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) | Sonaca 201 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Sonaca 201 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $126,384 – $150,574 | $59,948 – $277,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 115 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 750 nm (1,389 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,653 lbs (750 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 569 lbs (258 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 23.0 gal (87 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 5.2 GPH (20 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $20,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $75 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateSonaca 201
Fuel$29/hr
Variable$75/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$25,000/yr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Sonaca 201 or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the 201 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$75/hr vs $120/hr.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2018 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $59,948 vs $126,384, you save ~$66,436.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 110 kts.
- More inventory — 632 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Sonaca 201 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 201 cruises at 110 kts with 750 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Sonaca 201: from $125,040.
Piper Cherokee: from $58,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Sonaca 201 and Piper Cherokee?
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 110 vs 117 kts.
Range: 750 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
201: about $75/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: about $120/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: 2 seats / 569 lb useful load.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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 ~$20,000.
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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