Cessna 172 vs Grumman AA-5
The Cessna 172 and the Grumman AA-5 (Cheetah/Tiger) are both fixed-gear four-seat singles, so the comparison comes down to ubiquity versus sportiness. The 172 is the most-produced airplane ever — forgiving, easy to insure, and supported by parts and instructors everywhere, which is why it is the default trainer and first airplane. The low-drag Grumman, with its sliding canopy and slick airframe, is quicker for the same horsepower and feels sportier to fly, but rides on a much smaller fleet and support network. One is the safe, universally-supported choice; the other trades a little support for speed and character.
Key specifications, side by side
| Cessna 172 | Grumman AA-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-360 (172S) | Lycoming O-360-A (Tiger) |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~124 kt | ~139 kt (Tiger) |
| Range | ~640 nm | ~600 nm |
| Useful load | ~880 lb | ~900 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 53 gal | 51 gal |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle | Fixed tricycle |
Representative figures for a popular variant of each family — exact specs vary by model year, engine, and avionics configuration.
What's different about the Cessna 172
- The most-produced aircraft ever — unmatched parts, mechanic, and instructor support, and the easiest single to insure and resell.
- Forgiving, docile handling makes it the default primary trainer and a low-stress first aircraft to own.
- High-wing layout gives shade, easy passenger entry, and great downward visibility for sightseeing — but limits useful load with full fuel.
What's different about the Grumman AA-5
- A four-seat sliding-canopy single — low-drag and quick for the fuel burn, with the same sporty Grumman character as the two-seater.
- An excellent first-partnership four-seater for pilots who want fun, simple, economical traveling without a complex airframe.
- Within the line the Tiger (180 hp) is the faster climber and the Cheetah (150 hp) the more economical — pick by mission and budget.
Cessna 172 vs Grumman AA-5 — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
Is the Grumman Tiger faster than a Cessna 172?
Yes. The 180 hp AA-5 Tiger cruises around 139 kt against about 124 kt for the 180 hp Cessna 172, thanks to the Grumman’s low-drag airframe and sliding canopy — meaningfully more speed on the same power and fixed gear.
Which is easier to own and resell?
The 172, by a wide margin. As the most-produced aircraft ever it has unmatched parts, mechanic, and instructor support and is the easiest single to insure and resell. The Grumman flies on a smaller fleet, so plan for a more specialized support network in exchange for its speed and character.
Which is the better first four-seater?
For most new owners the 172, for its forgiving handling, easy insurance, and universal support. The AA-5 suits a pilot who wants a fun, simple, economical traveler with more speed — the 180 hp Tiger is the faster climber, the 150 hp Cheetah the more economical, so pick by mission and budget.