Interactive comparison

Compare ownership, not brochures

Purchase price is only one part of the decision. Figures are indicative estimates at the typical market year for each model.

Decision factor	Mooney M20J 201View aircraft profile	Cessna 172P SkyhawkView aircraft profile	Piper PA-28-236 DakotaView aircraft profile
Typical market year	1985	1984	1985
Estimated purchase	€113k	€114k	€180k
Annual cash cost at 80 h	€65k	€58k	€68k
Five-year cash outlay	€438k	€406k	€522k
Cruise speed	155 kt	120 kt	143 kt
Advertised range	1000 nm	875 nm	650 nm
Seats	4	4	4
Realistic payload	338 kg	282 kg	362 kg
Runway need	500 m	495 m	500 m
Data confidence	Normalized for direct comparison	Preliminary — verify source data before deciding	Preliminary — verify source data before deciding
Main trade-off	Outstanding efficiency and speed, but cabin access, useful load and ageing gear or fuel-tank issues need attention.	The 172P Skyhawk combines 4-seat piston-aircraft utility with about 244 NM reported range and about 111 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.	Strong payload and simple fixed gear, but the small fleet makes pricing and parts comparisons less transparent.

Popular head-to-head guides

Start with the decision pilots are actually researching

Each guide adds mission context and links back into the live comparison and Finder.

Two premium piston singles with very different answers to speed, fuel, cabin design and ownership complexity.

A fast, refined travelling aircraft against a slower utility platform built around payload and access.

Two leading single-engine turboprops that optimise for different combinations of speed, cabin volume and payload.

Modern diesel efficiency and composite design compared with a conventional turbocharged piston twin.

A modern Jet A trainer and tourer compared with the most familiar four-seat training platform.

No generic winner