Vans RV-9 vs Cessna 172
The Van's RV-9 (amateur-built efficient two-seat tourer) and Cessna 172 (certified four-seat trainer/tourer) are different categories — the RV-9 is faster and more efficient on less fuel; the 172 is the certified, four-seat, rentable/financeable standard.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2004–2004
- For sale now
- 421
- Median asking
- $134,231
- Range
- $61,563–$324,965
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 112
- Source marketplaces
- 19
- Model years available
- 1956–2028
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Vans RV-9 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Cessna 172 — 5 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | Continental O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 107 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | Lycoming O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 105 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | Lycoming O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 89 |
| 172R | 1996–2007 | IO-360-L2A | 2450 | 120 | 520 | 19 |
| 172S | 1998–now | IO-360-L2A | 2550 | 124 | 518 | 40 |
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) | Vans RV-9 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 6810 |
| Serious | 0 | 542 |
| Fatal | 1 | 960 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 1802 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 14% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Vans RV-9 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $142,264 – $193,650 | $61,563 – $324,965 |
| Category | Experimental | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 145–180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 160 kts (296 km/h) | 118–124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | — | 518–585 nm (1,083 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2300–2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $20,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $85 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV-9
Cessna 172
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-9 or Cessna 172?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 172 for certified four-seat utility, easy financing/insurance and a vast support network. Choose the RV-9 for far better speed and efficiency in a two-seat homebuilt — accepting amateur-built status and the need to assess build quality. ================================================================ # CROSS-REFS ================================================================ - Cirrus/Cessna mirrors in those files; Glasair/Sling/Flight Design mirrors where present. - RV-8 (tandem) = sport-aerobatic, step toward Pitts/Extra for unlimited aerobatics (see those brands).
Pick the RV-9 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$85/hr vs $130/hr.
- Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 118 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $142,264, you save ~$80,701.
- More seats — 4 vs 1.
- More inventory — 428 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.