In article ,
wrote:

: slightly higher service ceiling (I live in Colorado-important!)

Even *I* don't know if I buy that. The Hershey-bar wing is pretty slug-like
compared to the 172. It helps in turbulence, stall
characteristics, and crosswind, but not in climb-related things. In the
early-mid 70's are you talking about taper-wing? Then that might
be the case (dunno... I'm only calibrated to Hershey-wing PA28's).

As was explained to me (years ago, when the change to taper-wings
occurred), the Hershey-bar wing is a better climber, up to 10,000 feet.
The taper-wing advantage takes over above 10,000.