Grumman AA-5 vs Piper Cherokee
The Grumman AA-5 (Cheetah/Tiger) and the Piper Cherokee (PA-28) are both fixed-gear four-seat singles around 180 hp, so the choice is really speed versus load and support. The slick, sliding-canopy Grumman is the quicker of the two for the same power and has a sporty feel. The low-wing Cherokee carries more and rides on one of the largest parts-and-instructor networks in aviation, second only to the 172. Both are simple and economical to own; you are choosing between a little more speed or a little more load and support.
Key specifications, side by side
| Grumman AA-5 | Piper Cherokee | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Engine | Lycoming O-360-A (Tiger) | Lycoming O-360 (PA-28-180) |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~139 kt (Tiger) | ~120 kt |
| Range | ~600 nm | ~560 nm |
| Useful load | ~900 lb | ~1,000 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 51 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 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.
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.
Grumman AA-5 vs Piper Cherokee — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
What is the difference between a Grumman Tiger and a Piper Cherokee?
Both are fixed-gear 180 hp four-seaters, but the Grumman AA-5’s low-drag airframe and sliding canopy make it noticeably faster — about 139 kt cruise (Tiger) versus roughly 120 kt for the PA-28-180 — while the Cherokee offers more useful load and a much larger support network.
Which one carries more?
The Cherokee — about 1,000 lb of useful load against roughly 900 lb for the AA-5 — and it is among the most common, easiest-to-support four-seat trainers after the 172. The Grumman trades a little load for more speed on the same power.
Which is easier and cheaper to own?
Both are simple, economical fixed-gear singles. The Cherokee’s edge is its enormous parts and mechanic network, which keeps maintenance predictable and resale easy. The Grumman is also inexpensive to run — especially the 150 hp Cheetah — but flies on a smaller fleet, so factor in a more specialized support base.