Cessna 172 vs Piper Cherokee
The Cessna 172 and the Piper Cherokee (PA-28) are the two default fixed-gear four-seat trainers, and the choice usually comes down to high wing versus low wing. The high-wing 172 gives shade, easy entry, and great downward visibility; the low-wing Cherokee feels a touch sportier and has a single cabin door. Both are simple, forgiving, and cheap to maintain with enormous parts and instructor support — making either an ideal first airplane or first partnership.
Key specifications, side by side
| Cessna 172 | Piper Cherokee | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-360 (172S) | Lycoming O-360 (PA-28-180) |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~124 kt | ~120 kt |
| Range | ~640 nm | ~560 nm |
| Useful load | ~880 lb | ~1,000 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 53 gal | 48 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 Piper Cherokee
- Low-wing layout and a single cabin door give it a sportier feel than the high-wing Cessnas.
- The simple, fixed-gear PA-28 airframe is inexpensive to maintain and one of the most common trainers after the 172.
- The stable laminar "Hershey-bar" wing is predictable; later tapered-wing models add a little speed.
Cessna 172 vs Piper Cherokee — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
What is the main difference between a Cessna 172 and a Piper Cherokee?
Wing position. The 172 is a high-wing and the Cherokee (PA-28) a low-wing, but both are simple fixed-gear four-seat singles around 180 hp with similar cruise near 120 kt. The high wing gives shade and downward visibility; the low wing feels a touch sportier and uses a single cabin door.
Which is cheaper to maintain, a 172 or a Cherokee?
Both are among the least expensive four-seat singles to own, with huge parts supplies and near-universal mechanic familiarity, so running costs are very close. The choice usually comes down to high- versus low-wing preference rather than money.
Which is better for a first airplane or partnership?
Either is an excellent first airplane or first partnership — both are forgiving, well-supported, and economical to share. Pick by how you like to board the airplane and what you prefer to see out the window.