On 20-Jan-2004, (atis118) wrote:

I just bought a 1979 Piper Dakota 3 months ago. 235hp, 1200 lbs useful
load, 11.8 gph cruise, 17,400 service ceiling, and trues at 143 knots.
I love it.
I looked at Archers and Arrows and found that ones of quality were
nearly in the price range of the Dakota but didn't have the same
qualities. The Dakota is longer than the Archer or Arrow and has more
legroom. To be honest I didn't see anything in the cruiser style
airplanes that started less than 85k with original radios and Nav
equipment ( I looked at 182's as well). Upgraded radios and avionics
pushed you over 100k.
You might want to look at the Cherokee 235. They are pretty much the
same length as the Arrow and Archer, but the 235 has a much better
useful load and are pretty darn reliable. Almost all the 235's have a
constant speed prop. You can get a good 235 in the 50-75k range.


I agree with MOST of your post, and your basic point is a good one -- The
PA28-135 series is an excellent performer and load hauler.

A few points, however: First, I am pretty sure that the newer Arrows (Arrow
II onward) have the same cabin dimensions as the Dakota. Second, the
normally aspirated Arrow will probably be a knot or three faster than the
Dakota (although they are close enough so that it's reasonable to say they
are about the same in cruise speed). Service ceilings are likewise about
the same. Finally, while the Dakota has a significantly larger useful load
than the Arrow, a healthy part of that (approx. 240 lb.) advantage will be
gobbled up by the extra fuel needed for the MUCH thirstier engine. A part
of that difference in efficiency is that the 200 HP Arrow is injected, while
the Dakota is carbureted.

-Elliott Drucker