Waco UPF-7 vs Piper Malibu
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Waco UPF-7
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1940–1941
Piper Malibu
- For sale now
- 281
- Median asking
- $950,000
- Range
- $417,000–$3,032,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 103
- Source marketplaces
- 18
- Model years available
- 1984–2026
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) | Waco UPF-7 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 45 | — |
| Serious | 3 | — |
| Fatal | 3 | — |
| Fatalities | 4 | — |
| % Fatal | 7% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Waco UPF-7 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $142,000 – $283,300 | $417,000 – $3,032,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 99 kts (183 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 348 nm (644 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,650 lbs (1,202 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,200 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateWaco UPF-7
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$58,000/yr
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Waco UPF-7 or Piper Malibu?
Pick the UPF-7 if…
- Budget matters — from $142,000 vs $417,000, you save ~$275,000.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$190/hr vs $200/hr.
- More seats — 6 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 99 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 348 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1941.
- More inventory — 271 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, Waco UPF-7 or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The UPF-7 cruises at 99 kts with 348 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Waco UPF-7: from $285,000.
Piper Malibu: from $299,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Waco UPF-7 and Piper Malibu?
Seats: 2 vs 6.
Cruise: 99 vs 198 kts.
Range: 348 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
UPF-7: about $200/hr variable cost.
Malibu: about $190/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?
UPF-7: 2 seats.
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
UPF-7: 1,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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