PA28 Arrow IV vs PA32-300 Cruise Speed?

Posted by Fair_Intention_4198@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 16 comments

For pilots who have flown both these aircraft, how do the cruise speeds compare and which one do you prefer?

I’m looking for an aircraft for longer flights in the UK and my club has both these aircraft available. The PA32 has way nicer avionics (G3X and GTN750) but is pricier than the Arrow (Dual G5 and GNS430).

I’m just wondering which ones other people prefer to fly as well as which one is faster?

Thanks

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FridayMcNight@reddit

G3X is a nice setup. Simpler and more intuitive than the 430. You mention long flights... do either have a working autopilot? That might be the decider.

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Fair_Intention_4198@reddit (OP)

Yeah. The Arrow has a simple ALT hold and HDG hold autopilot.

The PA32 has IAS, VNAV, NAV, VS Mode, HDG, TRK, and Approach mode down to 50ft on ILS

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jonspw@reddit

50ft? Is that a UK thing? Never seen an ILS that low in the states that a piston single could shoot.

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Fair_Intention_4198@reddit (OP)

Yeah i’m not too sure tbh. With approach mode it will fly down to 50ft above ground level, unsure if it’s just a UK thing or not. I don’t think that necessarily means it is approved for IMC down to 50ft, rather that it could physically do it. I’m unsure tho for certain

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FridayMcNight@reddit

Is it the GFC-500 autopilot? That plus the G3X is a sweet setup. I'd pay a little extra for it.

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Fair_Intention_4198@reddit (OP)

Yeah it’s the GFC-500. Amazing auto pilot for a single engine

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Neither-Way-4889@reddit

Go for the PA32, its a no-brainer

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Mountain-Captain-396@reddit

Flown both and they both fly around the same speed (Arrow maybe slightly faster). The PA32 is leagues more comfortable however, and for any decent length XC trip I would highly recommend it over the arrow.

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nightlanding@reddit

Are we talking retract Saratoga or the old Cherokee 6? The Saratoga would easily do 155-160 knots. I never got an Arrow going that fast.

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nightlanding@reddit

I have flown both. The PA-32 is faster and IMHO flies better as well. If cost was equivalent I would fly the PA-32 every time. The old low-tail Arrows fly better than the IV. If the Arrow costs less and that matters to you, fly the IV and put up with the T-tail isms and slower speed.

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x4457@reddit

I'll take a Cherokee Six over an Arrow 10/10 times.

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megaduce104@reddit

but I like to make my gear go up and down....

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phlflyguy@reddit

The PA32 cabin is much more comfortable in terms of shoulder width since it's about 7-8" wider than the PA28 cabin. But you're spending 4gph more to enjoy that along with a few extra knots. I had a PA32-300 and typically saw TAS around 140kts at \~7000. It's basically an SUV with wings.

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srdev_ct@reddit

In general, cruise for PA-32-300 is faster, has a higher useful load. but.. it's heavier, burns more GPH. it's fixed gear though, so initial insurance costs *SHOULD* be lower.

I'm not impressed by the Arrows. On one hand, you can get them pretty cheap. On the other hand, the useful load is the same as an archer (pretty much), and it's more expensive to insure (at least initially) because it's complex. Yeah, you get a an additional 10-15kts as cruise and a larger fuel capacity-- so.. I guess it really depends on your mission.

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EntroperZero@reddit

They're going to be about the same speed, the PA32 will burn more fuel but has a lot more useful load.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

For pilots who have flown both these aircraft, how do the cruise speeds compare and which one do you prefer?

I’m just wondering which ones other people prefer to fly as well as which one is faster?

Thanks

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