David Megginson wrote:

G.R. Patterson III wrote:

I doubt it. The 172 performs better on less power than a PA-28 from the same year.

Do you have a source for that?

According to Clarke's "The Illustrated Buyer's Guide to Used Aircraft", the PA-28 was
introduced in 1961. At that time, the 172 had a 145hp engine, cruised at 130 mph, and
the difference between max gross and empty weight was 1040 lbs. The PA-28 had 150hp,
cruised at 130 mph, and the difference in the two weights was 945 lbs. With the
optional 160hp engine, cruise went up to 132 mph and capacity to 990 lbs for the
PA-28.

In 1963, the PA-28s with 180hp engines became available, which made the plane 11 mph
faster than the 172 (which still had 145hp). Carrying capacity also went up to 1175
lbs, which exceeded the Cessna's for the first time. Note that 150hp and 160hp
versions were still being produced, so whether a PA-28 built during the mid-60s can
out-perform a 172 of the same period, depends on the engine in the Piper.

In 1968, Cessna went to 150hp, which boosted cruise speed to 138 mph (still 3 mph
slower than the 180hp Piper but faster than the 160hp model). Capacity went down to
986 lbs.

In 1974, Piper introduced the PA-28-151. With 150hp, the cruise was 126 mph (12 mph
slower than the Cessna), but the plane could carry 1024 lbs.

In 1977, both Cessna and Piper went to 160 hp. For Cessna, this was the infamous "H"
series engine. Cruise for the Cessna stayed 138 mph and capacity stayed 986 lbs
(though max gross went up) Cruise for the Piper was 140 mph and capacity dropped to
972 lbs.

Piper continued to make 180hp planes, and the PA-28-161, introduced in 1976, cruises
at 148 mph and carries 1137 lbs, both being significantly higher values than those
for the 172 of the period.

George Patterson
I childproofed my house, but they *still* get in.