Jay Beckman wrote:

I realize much of what people value in their planes if often very personal
but I don't think I've read anything comparitive between the two that was
spawned from first hand experience.
Could you possibly do a quick and dirty 172 Vs Warrior and why the Piper
fits better?

1) Best comparison be between models in the same time frame. It's
not fair to compare a current 172 that's fuel injected, G1000,
and so on (at $250K+ USD) with an older PA28, etc.

2) Assuming same time frame - let's define it as early-mid 70s.
C172 advantages:
high wing sun shade
better for photos looking down
2 door access

PA28 advantages
2 gal. more fuel
slightly heavier
more stable in crosswind
slightly higher service ceiling (I live in Colorado-important!)
glareshield lower - don't need as many pillows to look over
manual flaps (well, I think that's an advantage)
easier to fill the gas tanks & wash the windows - no need for
a ladder

Overall, it's really your personal religious decision. Go fly in
each and see what you like/dislike.