172 Skyhawk vs Arrow
The Arrow leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 172 Skyhawk (introduced 1955) against the Piper Aircraft Arrow (introduced 1967) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Arrow has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
172 Skyhawk vs Arrow: the key differences
- The Arrow delivers 13% more range (172 Skyhawk: 696 nm; Arrow: 786 nm).
- The Arrow delivers 15% more cruise speed (172 Skyhawk: 122 kt; Arrow: 140 kt).
- The 172 Skyhawk and Arrow are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 4 seats.
- The Arrow is the newer design (introduced 1967 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Arrow is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,900 lbs versus 2,550 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 172 Skyhawk seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Arrow when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 172 Skyhawk when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Arrow holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
172 Skyhawk vs Arrow: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 172 Skyhawk or the Arrow?
The Arrow has the longer published range — 786 nm versus 696 nm for the 172 Skyhawk.
Which is faster, the 172 Skyhawk or the Arrow?
The Arrow cruises faster, at 140 kt versus 122 kt for the 172 Skyhawk.
Which is newer, the 172 Skyhawk or the Arrow?
The Arrow is the newer design, introduced in 1967 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk.
Is the 172 Skyhawk or the Arrow the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Arrow is the larger aircraft — 2,900 lbs versus 2,550 lbs for the 172 Skyhawk.
Should I buy the 172 Skyhawk or the Arrow?
Choose the Arrow when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 172 Skyhawk when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Arrow holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 172 Skyhawk vs Arrow?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.