We've looked at the newer Mooneys that get hauled along the sky behind
an IO 540. Our 201 uses an IO 360, and cruises really nicely at 9 GPH.
I think the increased engine size doesn't much help our typical
flight.

IMHO, a bigger engine always trumps the smaller one, not so much
because it's faster, but because you can always choose to throttle
back and putt along at 9 GPH.

However, when you really want to *go* -- or, more importantly, when
you need to lift a lot of payload -- nothing beats horsepower.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"